High-Output Chylothorax: Novel Imaging Techniques Provide Specific Treatment

Post-esophagectomy chylothorax is a therapeutic dilemma. Understanding anatomy and leakage site is essential, although imaging techniques for thoracic lymphatics are challenging and not always available. We describe a patient with chylothorax post-esophagectomy from a left-sided thoracic duct traver...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inAmerican Journal of Surgical Case Reports pp. 1 - 5
Main Authors Verrelst, Lynn NL, Jardinet, Thomas, Ruppert, Martin, Van Schil, Paul, Snoeckx, Annemiek, Hubens, Guy, FG de Maat, Michiel
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 30.07.2022
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Post-esophagectomy chylothorax is a therapeutic dilemma. Understanding anatomy and leakage site is essential, although imaging techniques for thoracic lymphatics are challenging and not always available. We describe a patient with chylothorax post-esophagectomy from a left-sided thoracic duct traversing to the right chest. We applied intranodal Lipiodol® lymphangiography, computed tomographic lymphangiography, and performed fluorescence-guided thoracic duct ligation at the level of the aortic arch. These techniques are not only useful in a postoperative setting but may be used as preventive strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from chylothorax after any thoracic surgical procedure where the thoracic duct is at risk.
ISSN:2674-5046
2674-5046
DOI:10.31487/j.AJSCR.2022.02.02