Treatment of lymphocele in renal allograft recipients.

Retroperitoneal lymphoceles developed in 12 renal allograft recipients during the last nine years. The interval between transplantation and the development of symptoms averaged seven months. The specific syndrome suggesting the presence of a lymphocele included lower abdominal swelling, weight gain, and, occasionally, fever without an obvious source of infection. Although these symptoms mimicked allograft rejection, diagnosis was easily made by ultrasound and intravenous pyelogram. Surgical marsupialization of the lymphocele with drainage into the peritoneal cavity proved to be an effective treatment.