Sclerosis of postoperative lymphoceles: Avoidance of prolonged catheter drainage with use of a fibrin sealant

PURPOSE: To review experience with fibrin-based tissue sealant sclerosis of postsurgical lymphoceles at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who presented with postsurgical lymphoceles were treated with injection of fibrin tissue sealant. Procedures were performed under fluoroscopic and sonographic guidance. All lymphoceles were drained and sclerosed with a mixture of fibrin sealant and gentamicin. No drainage catheter was left in place. Postprocedural follow-up consisted of imaging and clinical evaluations. RESULTS: Twelve men and three women (mean age, 52 years) were treated. Eleven patients with lymphoceles were successfully treated with one session of sclerosis. Four patients required more than one treatment (two underwent two sessions, and two underwent three sessions). Seven patients undergoing a single treatment experienced complete resolution, and the remaining patients had smaller, persistent, asymptomatic collections. Imaging mean follow-up was 114 days (range, 5-339 d); mean clinical follow-up was 487 days (range, 195-856 d). There were no periprocedural complications. CONCLUSION: The use of fibrin sealant is safe and effective in the sclerosis of postoperative lymphoceles.