CASE REPORT Treatment of a Lower Extremity Lymphocele With Intraoperative Lymphatic Mapping

Objective: Lower extremity lymphoceles secondary to saphenous vein grafting are exceptionally rare and there is only 1 previously reported case in the English literature. Data on treatment of lower extremity lymphoceles are limited and based on studies of groin lymphoceles. We discuss operative resection with selective ligation of feeding lymphatic vessels as a treatment option of lower extremity lymphoceles. Methods: A 64-year-old man who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting 6 years prior presented with a left lower extremity mass at the site where his saphenous vein had been harvested. Examination demonstrated a 12-cm, mobile, nonpulsatile mass at his medial left calf. The findings of magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with a lymphocele. Results: Intraoperative injection of isosulfan blue dye was used to identify feeding lymphatic vessels and the lymphocele cavity was excised. Leg drains were discontinued after 3 days, and the patient was discharged home after 6 days. Conclusion: Operative resection with isosulfan blue dye lymphatic mapping and selective ligation of lymphatic vessels is a viable treatment of lower extremity lymphoceles.