Spine

Lymphatic drainage after lumbar surgery.

Year 1998
Hanson D. Mirkovic S.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
STUDY DESIGN: A case report of lymphatic drainage after anterior retroperitoneal debridement and reconstruction for lumbar osteomyelitis. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of protracted lymphatic drainage after anterior lumbar surgery, a complication that has not been reported previously. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lymphatic drainage after transthoracic surgery is a well-recognized complication. The possibility of lymphatic drainage after anterior lumbar surgery is less likely to be considered. METHODS: The cause, clinical symptoms and appearance, treatment, and differential diagnosis are reviewed. RESULTS: Lymphangiography is useful in diagnosis and should be performed early if the diagnosis is in doubt. Percutaneous drainage can facilitate early wound healing. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic drainage should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative wound drainage, particularly after surgical debridement for osteomyelitis.