Laparoscopic transhiatal en‐mass thoracic duct ligation for persistent bilateral spontaneous Chylothorax: A case report

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Chylothorax is a rare entity associated with morbidity. Surgical thoracic duct ligation (TDL) by thoracoscopic approach is the recommended choice for persistent chylothorax. However, thoracoscopy is not feasible in case of previous pleurodesis. We describe a successful laparoscopic transhiatal en‐mass TDL in a 61‐year‐old lady for persistent spontaneous chylothorax after failed optimal conservative management and three sessions of pleurodesis. The study shows that laparoscopic transhiatal thoracic duct ligation is an effective alternative in a case where thoracoscopy is not feasible due to various reasons.

Keywords

• laparoscopy
• spontaneous chylothorax
• thoracic duct
• transhiatal ligation