Chyle leakage in port incision after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: case report

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2010 Oct 15:5:83. doi: 10.1186/1749-8090-5-83.

Abstract

A 26-year-old Asian male was found to have chyle leakage from the port incision after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for excision of pulmonary bullae. The diagnosis was confirmed by oral intake of Sudan black and by lymphoscintigraphy. The leakage resolved after 5 days of restricted oral intake and total parenteral nutrition. No leakage recurred after return of oral intake. Possible explanations for the port incision chyle leakage are obstruction of the thoracic duct, which induced retrograde drainage of the lymphoid fluid, or an aberrant collateral branch of the thoracic duct in the chest wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chylothorax / etiology*
  • Chylothorax / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung / surgery*
  • Male
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / adverse effects*
  • Thoracoscopy / adverse effects*