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SIR 2026

Scientific Session

Embolization

Featured Abstract

Session: Dialysis & Transplant

302 - Outcomes of Lymphangiography and Glue Embolization for Post-Renal Transplant Perinephric Lymphoceles

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
12:18 PM - 12:27 PM ET
Purpose: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of lymphangiography and N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue embolization to treat postoperative lymphatic leaks following iliac fossa renal transplantation.

Materials and Methods: Institutional IRB approval was originally obtained in 2023 and updated in 2025 to include additional study members.


Retrospective chart review (UW Health, Madison, WI, USA) was performed. All patients that underwent a lymphangiography procedure from January 2019 - August 2025 were identified. Patients who underwent single-organ renal transplant complicated by a peri-nephric lymphocele that underwent lymphangiogram were selected for inclusion. A total of 42 patients were identified, 30 male and 12 female, with a mean age of 58 years (±13 years). Patient demographics, procedural interventions, drain outputs, outcomes, and complications were recorded.


Data storage and preliminary analyses were done through the institution’s REDCap data management tool.

Results: Lymphangiography with NBCA lipiodol embolization for managing perinephric lymphoceles was clinically successful in 39 out of 42 patients (92.86%). The remaining 3 patients were referred to transplant surgery for peritoneal window operation due to uncontrolled leakage ( >50mL) despite lymphangiography and embolization.


Out of the 39 successful patients, 14 patients (35.90%) underwent 2 rounds of lymphangiography and embolization, and 1 patient (2.56%) underwent 3 rounds of lymphangiography and embolization.


Mean drain output for all 42 patients decreased from 340.75mL (± 294.13, median = 300mL) pre-lymphangiography to 142.70mL (± 244.09, median = 40mL) post-lymphangiography.


Of the 39 successful patients, the mean days between drain removal and last embolization was 13.56 days (±8.92 days).


No patients developed any major complications post-lymphangiography and embolization.

Conclusion: Lymphangiography with NBCA glue embolization demonstrates a safe and effective treatment for managing post-renal transplant perinephric lymphoceles, decreasing the need for more invasive surgical management.