The lumbar lymphatic trunks (right and left) collect lymph from the lower limbs, pelvic organs, and posterior abdominal wall, ascending alongside the lumbar aorta and IVC to join the thoracic duct at the cisterna chyli. They run with the lumbar vessels in the paravertebral tissue.
The lumbar lymphatic trunks are disrupted during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular and retroperitoneal tumours, producing chylous ascites when the cisterna chyli or thoracic duct is also injured. Identification and ligation of the lumbar trunks during RPLND reduces post-operative lymphocele formation. Post-operative chylous ascites requires dietary fat restriction or direct duct ligation.
Disruption of lumbar lymphatic trunks during RPLND producing milky ascites from chyle accumulation, managed by medium-chain triglyceride diet and TPN, or surgical thoracic duct ligation for refractory cases.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
