Lymphatic Mapping in the Treatment of Chronic Seroma: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE Seromas or lymphoceles are common postoperative complications. This series presents 3 patients with lower extremity seromas refractory to treatment that required lymphatic mapping and lymphatic ligation for closure, and in 1 case, diagnosis. METHODS Lymphatic mapping procedure consisted of intraoperative injection of subcutaneous tissue with methylene blue distal to the seroma with observation of dye effluence from transected or injured lymphatics draining into area of seroma. RESULTS In 2 patients, methylene blue dye absorption into lymphatic vessels allowed for optimized visual identification of lymphatic leak and contrast against surrounding tissues. In the third patient, where no lymphocele leak was found, the study was diagnostic and helped to find an alternate etiology for the recurrent seroma. CONCLUSION Lymphatic mapping with methylene blue dye is an effective tool in the evaluation and diagnosis of chronic seroma.