Compression stockings limit the incidence of postoperative lymphocele in kidney transplantation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Lymphoceles account for considerable morbidity rates after kidney transplantation. As yet, there is no therapeutic strategy to prevent the formation of lymphoceles. The lower limb provides a large reservoir for lymphatic tissue. Prophylactic compression therapy limits tissue volume and edema formation and may therefore reduce postoperative lymph flow.

PATIENTS AND METHODS AND RESULTS:

In a non-randomized prospective study using a historical control group prior to 2006 as comparison from our center (2004-2008: total n=126), we found that lymphoceles are significantly diminished on the ipsilateral lower limb of the operative side when patients wear class II compression stockings (n=69) for four weeks after transplantation compared to patients achieving standard antithrombotic therapy by compression class I stockings (n=57) for thrombosis prophylaxis until full mobilization (33% versus 15%, p-value<0.05). Furthermore, a significantly lower percentage of patients needed surgical treatment of the lymphoceles for obstructive complications after class II compression (4% versus 18%, p-value<0.01). These findings were independent of the recipients' demographics, the duration of the surgical procedure, and the operating surgeon.

CONCLUSION:

Further studies are needed to demonstrate the usefulness of compressing stockings for the reduction of lymphoceles after kidney transplantation. This approach would not only reduce post-transplantation morbidity, but also provide an easy and cost-effective treatment without side-effects.

• Authors: Kai Nowak, Roderich Bönninghoff, Michael Geiger, Stefan Post, Peter Schnülle, Mathias Schwarzbach
• Journal: In vivo (Athens, Greece) (In Vivo) 2013 Jul-Aug Vol. 27 Issue 4 Pg. 561-4 ISSN: 1791-7549 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 23812232 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Humans
• Incidence
• Kidney Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Lymphocele (epidemiology, etiology, prevention & control, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (epidemiology, prevention & control, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Stockings, Compression
• Tissue Donors
• Young Adult