Abstract:Objective To discuss impact of opening retroperitoneum in pelvic lymph node dissection on formation of post-operative lymphocyst in patients with gynecological cancer. Methods Totally 267 patients of gynecologic malignancies who underwent radical hysterectomy or panhysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection from October 2009 to April 2015 were divided into two groups: open-retroperitoneum group (group A, 148 cases) and close-retroperitoneum group (group B, 119 cases). The differences in operation time, 72-hour drainage volume, postoperative fever time, postoperative anal exhaust time and number of pelvic lymphocysts were compared between the two groups. Results The rate of lymphatic cyst formation was 5.4% in the group A which was significantly lower than 17.6% in the group B (P < 0.05). There were 3 cases in the group A and 8 cases in the group B with mild clinical symptoms and signs. The 72-hour pelvic drainage volume after operation in the group A was higher than that in the group B (P < 0.05). The postoperative anal exhaust time and postoperative fever time were significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Opening retroperitoneum during pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies can effectively prevent the formation of postoperative pelvic lymphcysts.