Objective: To determine the incidence and treatment of lymphoceles after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP).
Patients and methods: Up to January 2004, 260 patients who had a retropubic RP in one institution by one surgeon were assessed retrospectively, using the patients' notes or the computerized results system to determine whether a lymphocele was suspected and then confirmed by imaging studies (computed tomography or ultrasonography).
Results: Nine patients developed symptomatic lymphoceles; eight of these were detected by imaging. Four lymphoceles required intervention while the remainder regressed spontaneously. No complications were reported in the group that was treated.
Conclusion: The rate of symptomatic lymphocele formation was low after RP, with an overall incidence of 3.5%. Ultrasonography was effective in detecting lymphoceles and ultrasonographically guided percutaneous drainage an effective treatment.