Postoperative lymphocele causing obturator nerve entrapment, treated with percutaneous drainage and intranodal poppyseed oil (Lipiodol)-based lymphangiography

Abstract

Obturator nerve entrapment is a rare complication after pelvic surgery and is caused by a direct intraoperative injury or secondary to compression by a postoperative collection. We have presented the case of a 65-year-old man who had complained of right-sided medial groin pain 4 weeks after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral lymphoceles with right-sided compression of the obturator nerve causing diffuse muscle edema in its innervation region. Percutaneous drainage and intranodal poppyseed oil (Lipiodol)-based lymphangiography led to a complete resolution of his symptoms.

Keywords

• Intranodal lymphangiography
• Lipiodol
• Lymphadenectomy
• Obturator nerve entrapment
• Postoperative lymphocele