Abstract
Kinmonth introduced lymphangiography in 1955 and it became an important tool in the
diagnosis and treatment of malignant disease. The technique, based on bipedal approach,
was difficult and time-consuming which limited its use in clinical practice. Cope
is the father of percutaneous lymphatic interventions and he was the first person
to access and intervene on the lymphatic system. After his initial work published
on 1999, there has been an expansion of the lymphatic embolization techniques, particularly
since the development of intranodal lymphangiography and advance lymphatic imaging.
This article is focused on the evaluation and management of postoperative chylous
ascites and lymphoceles. Their incidence is growing due to longer survival of cancer
patients and more radical surgical approaches, leading to an increased morbidity and
mortality in this patient population. Minimally invasive percutaneous lymphatic embolization
is becoming a first-line therapy in patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage.
Keywords
chylous ascites - lymphocele - lymphangiography - embolization - interventional radiology
