RT Journal
A1 Kwaan JM, Bernstein JM, Connolly JE
T1 MAnagement of lymph fistula in the groin after arterial reconstruction
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1979
FD December 1
VO 114
IS 12
SP 1416
OP 1418
DO 10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370360070008
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370360070008
AB • Leakage of lymph from the inguinal incision is a rare but disturbing complication of arterial surgery. This article describes our experience in the management of 12 patients in whom lymphorrhea developed following arterial reconstruction. Seven patients were treated with pressure dressings, antibiotics, and immobilization. In this group, fistula healing was delayed up to four weeks, and wound infection occurred in three of seven patients. One patient eventually required removal of the prosthetic graft and below-knee amputation. Early groin reexploration and direct ligature of ruptured lymphatics was performed in the remaining five patients. Hospitalization was shortened and wound infection prevented in all patients in this group. We recommend prompt operative closure as the preferred approach in the management of lymph fistula following vascular reconstruction, especially when synthetic graft material is present.(Arch Surg 114:1416-1418, 1979)