Lymphoceles are common surgical complications of
renal transplantation. Recently minimal invasive
therapy has been advised. We studied the safety and efficacy of instillation of
povidone iodine via transcutaneous
catheter for treatment of
lymphoceles and leaks of lymph. We studied 10 (four males, six females) kidney transplant recipients who developed
lymphoceles after
transplantation and four (three males, one female) who developed leaks of lymph. We treated these cases by
povidone iodine after placement of transcutaneous
catheters with guidance of ultrasound and confirmed the presence of lymph by biochemical analysis. After dilution of
povidone iodine to 5% with
normal saline, 20cc were instilled and dwelled in the cavity for 30 minute three times daily. The lymph was then allowed to drain by gravity. For the leaks of lymph, which occurred immediately post operation, the
catheters were placed during
transplantation surgery. All patients were followed up for four months. After one week of instillation, all lymph leaks were completely blocked. Furthermore, nine (90%) cases of
lymphocele resolved after 15 days of
therapy. We conclude that instillation of diluted
povidone iodine for treatment of
lymphocele and leak of lymph is safe and effective and it may be considered as first choice for these conditions.