Pelvic lymph node dissection. Complication management]

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection allows exact lymph node staging and has the potential to improve prognosis. In addition to these advantages, there are some perioperative and postoperative complications. In case of transection of the obturator nerve, a microsurgical end-to-end anastomosis should be performed. The most frequent postoperative complication is (symptomatic) lymphocele which is predominantly diagnosed after extraperitoneal surgery. Meticulous lymph node dissection with clipping of lymphatic vessels, sparing the lateral wall of the external iliac artery from dissection, sufficient postoperative drainage, and application of low molecular weight heparin in the upper arm may reduce their incidence. Instillation of sclerosing agents and sufficient drainage are normally successful. If not, laparoscopic fenestration of lymphocele should be performed. Regular ultrasound examinations are necessary to diagnose and treat postoperative lymphocele in a timely manner.