PubMed · 8385443
Postpneumonectomy chylothorax.
Abstract
Chylothorax complicating pulmonary resections is exceptional and management of this complication remains controversial. We report a case of chylothorax after a right pneumonectomy and radical subcarinal nodal dissection. Successful nonoperative management consisted of controlled tube drainage, fasting, and total parenteral nutritional support for a period of 2 weeks. A review of the literature reveals 27 other cases of this complication after intrapleural pneumonectomy: 12 were treated by conservative measures alone and 15 required surgical intervention. Factors that will determine the management and the ultimate success of conservative management include (1) a relative delay in initial occurrence, (2) a decrease in or complete cessation of leakage while receiving total parenteral nutrition, and (3) favorable lymphangiographic findings.
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E Vallieres, F M Shamji, T R Todd. 1993. Postpneumonectomy chylothorax.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4975(93)90138-8
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