Does BLOODCARE Powder Prevent Postoperative Chylous Ascites After Lymphadenectomy for Gynecological Malignancies?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intraoperative hemostatic cellulose agent (BLOODCARE powder [Life Line, Brno, Czech Republic]) on reducing the incidence of postoperative chylous ascites (PCA) after complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PPALN) in patients with gynecological cancers treated with laparotomy.

METHODS: This case control study reviewed 150 patients with gynecological cancer who underwent PPALN. In the study group (n = 75), BLOODCARE powder was applied below the left renal vein and bilateral obturator fossa. In the control group (n = 75), no sealant agent was used after the procedure, such as fibrin glue or a hemostatic cellulose agent.

RESULTS: The demographic and surgical characteristics of the patients in both groups were similar. Chylous ascites occurred in 9 cases (6%). The incidence of PCA was lower in the study group (1 [1.3%] vs 8 [10.7%]; P = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis indicated that using BLOODCARE powder during the surgery independently protected against the development of PCA.

CONCLUSIONS: Using BLOODCARE powder during retroperitoneal surgery may prevent PCA. This simple, effective agent should be used after PPALN for gynecological cancers.