Povidone Iodine Instillation into the Renal Pelvis in the Management of Chyluria: Our Experience

Purpose: We report our experience with the use of povidone iodine instillation into the renal pelvis for the treatment of chyluria. Materials and Methods: From August 2006 to November 2008, 26 patients with chyluria were treated. There were 18 males and 8 females ranging from 24–55 years of age. Cystoscopic localization of chylous efflux was done. Povidone iodine as a sclerosing agent was instilled through a ureteric catheter placed in the renal pelvis. A total of 9 doses were given at 8-hour intervals for 3 days. Unilateral instillation was done in 20 cases, and bilateral instillation was done in 6 patients. Results: Twenty-one of 26 patients showed complete clearance. In 4 patients, recurrence was noted and a repeat injection was given after 4 weeks, with success, in 2 patients. The other two patients required chylolymphatic disconnection. One patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Our experience shows that povidone iodine is a safe and effective sclerosing agent in the management of chyluria.