CURRENT CONCEPTS IN RADIOTHERAPY FOR BENIGN DISORDERS

CurrentConceptsinRadiotherapyforBenignDisorders1-0-25kapak

Lymphocutaneous Fistula

Ahmet Fatih ORUÇa , Şule KARABULUT GÜLb
aPendik Medical Park Hospital, Clinic of Radiation Oncology, İstanbul, Türkiye
bUniversity of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, İstanbul, Türkiye

Oruç AF, Karabulut Gül Ş. Lymphocutaneous fistula. In: Uysal B, Gamsız H, eds. Current Concepts in Radiotherapy for Benign Disorders. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.72-4

ABSTRACT
Lymphocutaneous fistulas are complications typically arising after surgical procedures, characterized by the leakage of lymphatic fluid through the skin. This study reviews the definition, causes, and treatment approaches for lymphocutaneous fistulas. Particularly following vascular surgeries, these fistulas often close spontaneously but may require additional treatments in some cases. Treatment options include conservative methods, sclerosing agent injections, and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy, when applied in low doses, has proven to be an effective method for reducing lymphatic drainage. Various studies have reported high success rates and good tolerability of radiotherapy in treating lymphocutaneous fistulas. However, there is no established protocol for optimal dose, fractionation, and treatment duration. Radiotherapy is considered a reliable and effective alternative when conservative treatments fail or are prolonged.

Keywords: Fistula; radiotherapy; conservative treatment

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