Chylous Ascites After Laparoscopic Lymph Node Dissection in Gynecologic Malignancies

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the clinical presentation, epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of chylous ascites after laparoscopic lymphadenectomy to treat gynecologic malignancies. Design Retrospective study with review of outcomes (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting University research hospital. Patients From November 2009 to December 2012, 997 patients underwent laparoscopic lymphadenectomy to treat gynecologic malignancies at our hospital. Interventions Postoperative chylous ascites resolved with continuous drainage and dietary restriction or fasting. Measurements and Main Results Nine of 997 patients (0.9%) developed chylous ascites postoperatively. Mean age of these 9 patients was 47.5 years. Median time from operation to development of chylous ascites was 4 days (range, 2–9 days). Chylous ascites developed on either day 1 in 6 patients, day 2 in 2 patients, and day 8 in 1 patient, after food intake. We found that postoperative chylous ascites was associated more with para-aortic lymphadenectomy than with pelvic lymphadenectomy (overall incidence, 0.9%; 4.08% in the para-aortic lymphadenectomy group vs 0.35% in the pelvic lymphadenectomy group). In all patients, chylous ascites resolved with conservative treatment. Median time to resolution was 7 days (range, 3–9 days). Drainage tubes were removed within 9 days after treatment. Conclusions The incidence of chylous ascites after laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was 0.9%. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was associated with postoperative chylous ascites. Chylous ascites was successfully treated with conservative management. An abdominal drainage tube can be a simple and effective approach and should be considered in the treatment of chylous ascites.