Publication:

Laparoscopic marsupialization of pelvic lymphoceles following radical prostatectomy

Background In this study, we evaluated our laparoscopic marsupialization experiences in patients who had radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer and had lymphocele after the surgery.

Methods Between October 2011 and December 2013, radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection were performed on 138 patients with prostate cancer diagnoses. Pelvic lymphocele was detected in 12 patients by ultrasonographic examination. Symptomatic patients to whom we applied drainage under ultrasonography and during whose follow-up lymphocele pouch was detected were hospitalized for laparoscopic marsupialization.

Results The 5 prostatectomy patients had a mean age of 67.9±15 (52-72) years. The time needed for lymphocele development was, on average, 63±12 (51-79) days and the mean lymphocele size was 8.6±1.2 (8-9) cm. Surgery was performed in the supine position with a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The average operating time was 80±20 (60-100) minutes. Patients had no collection in their ultrasonographic control examinations performed after 2 and 6 weeks and they have been followed-up for an average time of 20 months without problems.

Conclusions Although a limited number of patients were included in this study, the experience gained in urological laparoscopic operations indicates that laparoscopic marsupialization is an effective method that can be safely applied to treat lymphoceles requiring surgery.