Non-conservative Management of Chylothorax

• Published in: Journal of chest surgery Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 325 - 329
• Main Authors: Ahn, Hyo Yeong, I, Hoseok
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 05.08.2021; Korean Society for Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery; 대한흉부외과학회
• Subjects: chylothorax; Collective of Current Reviews, Lectures; intervention; management; surgery; 흉부외과학
• ISSN: 2765-1606; 2765-1614
• DOI: 10.5090/jcs.21.056

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.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.