Non-conservative Management of Chylothorax

Abstract

Chylothorax is caused by lymphatic leakage, which can develop after thoracic surgery and is associated with cancer. Although prospective randomized trials have not been performed, radiological interventions have been performed in several cases with persistent chylothorax, adjunct to 2 weeks of conservative management. The success rate of such interventions is diverse due to anatomical variations, although the results are promising. However, in cases of treatment failure after cycles of interventions, a team approach may be necessary to determine whether surgical management is warranted.

Keywords

• chylothorax
• management
• intervention
• surgery