Octreotide in the treatment of lymphorrhea after renal transplantation: a preliminary experience

Abstract

Background: Lymphorrhea is a minor complication after kidney transplantation but may develop into a lymphocele and prolong hospital stay. Treatment is conservative based on percutaneous drainage until lymphatic leakage cessation. It has been reported that octreotide has beneficial effects to treat lymphorrhea after axillary node dissection and excision of lymphatic malformations. The aim of this study was to report preliminary experience about octreotide treatment in lymphorrea after kidney transplantation.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 20 recipients of cadaveric kidney allografts with posttransplant lymphorrhea including 10 treated with instillation of povidone iodate solution, and the other 10 with octreotide (0.1 mg three times a day subcutaneously). We reviewed the daily amount of fluid collection, duration of lymphorrhea, complications, lymphocele formation, rejection episodes, graft outcomes, and hospital stay.

Results: The average duration of lymphorrhea was 8.5 (+/-4.5) and 16.3 (+/-7.3) days for the octreotide versus the povidone groups, respectively (P = .001). No complications occurred among the octreotide group, while three lymphoceles grew among patients treated with povidone solution. No differences were observed for acute rejection episodes or renal function between the groups. No octreotide-related adverse events were noted.

Conclusion: The mean length of lymphorrhea was lower with octreotide versus iodate povidone solution treatment. There was a shorter hospital stay and minor patient discomfort. In conclusion, lymphatic leakage after kidney transplantation may be successfully managed by octreotide administration.