To evaluate a thrombin gel matrix (TGM), Floseal, for the prevention of lymphocele in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy.

A total of 79 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the TGM group and control group. After completion of the lymphadenectomy, 5 mL of Floseal was applied to the bilateral pelvic sidewalls, especially the femoral canal, obturator, and common iliac vessels areas. Computed tomography scans were obtained for lymphocele evaluation 2 months after the surgery.

Three patients from the TGM group, and four patients from the control group were lost during follow-up, and data from 36 participants from each group were analyzed. As the primary outcome, lymphocele developed in 12 patients in both groups (33 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of lymphocele and symptomatic lymphocele development. Lymphocele localization was also not different between the two groups, but the diameter of the lymphoceles detected in the TGM group was significantly greater (p = 0.021). The mean drainage days was significantly shorter in the TGM group (p = 0.015). The amount of drainage was also less in the TGM group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Thrombin gel matrix applied to the pelvic sidewalls does not reduce the incidence of symptomatic or asymptomatic lymphoceles after pelvic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. However, it can reduce the amount of drainage and the number of drainage days so it can help to shorten hospitalization.