Introduction/Background A lymphocele is a cystic mass that may occur in the retroperitoneum following a systematic pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Lymphoceles may be the cause of severe morbidity, or rarely mortality. This study was aimed to determine risk factor for development of lymphocele after pelvic lymphadenectomy in women with cervical cancer, through a retrospective study of patients undergoing sole pelvic or combined pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer.

Methodology This study was conducted on 547 cervical cancer patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at Seoul St. Mary ’s Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital from 1997 to 2010. We divided them into lymphocele induced and lymphocele free groups, respectively. 7 variables (the type of energy device, the number of lymph nodes removed, radiation therapy, operation time, drainage use, BMI) were retrospectively compared between both group.

Results Of 547 patients who underwent sole pelvic or combined pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer. The mean number of lymph nodes removed from the lymphocele group was 55.09 and the mean number of lymph nodes removed from the lymphocele-free group was 51.19. Among 85 lymphocele groups, more than 2 lymphocele were found in 20 patients and the total number of lymphocele was 106. Lymphoceles were predominantly located on the pelvic area. (pelvic wall 54.7%, ext. iliac 26.4%, int. iliac 12.3%, obturator 2.8%, inguinal 2.8%). In only one case, Lymphocele was located on the para-renal area.

Conclusion The number of lymph nodes removed during pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer is a risk factor for the development of lymphocele.

Disclosure Nothing to disclose.