The approach of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels to the treatment of chyluria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of two surgical methods of treating chyluria, namely, retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels and retroperitoneal laparoscopic complete dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight cases have been divided into A and B groups. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels has been performed on Group A patients and retroperitoneal laparoscopic complete dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels has been performed on Group B cases, and then their respective clinical efficacy has been compared.

RESULTS: All the operations for the 38 cases were successful. The average operation time for Group A was 76.35 ± 23.11 min, and that for Group B was 97.35 ± 16.20 min. The average post-operative length of stay for Group A was 5.43 ± 1.21 days, and that for Group B was 7.22 ± 1.34 days. No complications were found in both groups, and all cases were tested negative for chyluria when discharged. No recurrences were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels is a reliable method of treating chyluria. Compared with complete dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal lymphatic vessels, partial dissection of adipose renal capsule plus ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic vessels boasts the advantages of shorter operation time, less bleeding, shorter term of hospitalization, and no renal pedicle torsion.