Postoperative lymphatic leakage following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: the first case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Purpose: Postoperative lymphatic leakage (PLL) is a rare and poorly understood complication following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). While seroma is a well-documented postoperative finding, the potential for lymphatic leakage and subsequent lymphatic fistula is frequently overlooked and often misclassified. This report presents a unique case of postoperative lymphocele following Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair and discusses diagnostic considerations, management strategies, and implications for surgical practice.

Methods: We report the case of a 56-year-old male who developed a large, symptomatic inguinal lymphocele after undergoing TEP LIHR. Diagnosis was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analysis of the drained fluid. Management involved surgical drainage followed by low-dose radiotherapy. A narrative literature review was also performed to identify existing evidence on PLL following LIHR.

Results: The patient developed a significant septated fluid collection (115 × 60 × 50 mm) compressing the bladder, consistent with a lymphocele. Drain output peaked at 350 mL/day. Fractionated low-dose radiotherapy (0.5 Gy × 10 sessions) led to a marked reduction in lymphatic output to <10 mL/day, permitting safe drain removal. At two-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. A narrative literature search revealed no previously reported cases of PLL following LIHR.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lymphocele and lymphatic fistula formation following TEP LIHR. This case highlights the need to recognize lymphatic leakage as a distinct complication. Low-dose radiotherapy appears to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment. Standardized terminology and further research are essential to improve diagnosis and management.