Chronic Wound Caused by Lymphorrhea after Skin Abscess Drainage on Lower Extremity: A Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT Surgical operations such as lymph node dissection may inadvertently damage the lymphatic system and lead to lymphorrhea. Excessive lymphatic exudation can cause a chronic wound. However, for surgery that does not involve the lymphatic system, lymphorrhea is a rare postoperative complication. This case report describes a 38-year-old patient who presented with lymphatic cutaneous leakage after incision and drainage of a skin abscess on the lower extremity. Persistent lymphorrhea increased the amount of wound exudation, which affected wound healing. After treatment of the lymphorrhea, the lower extremity wound healed completely within 4 weeks and did not result in lymphedema. Ligation of lymphatic vessels is a simple and easily performed treatment method for lymphatic leakage.