title: Early operative management of chylothorax by thoracic duct ligation.
abstract: Chylothorax following mediastinal mobilisation for carcinoma of the oesophagus can be devastating, especially in malnourished, debilitated patients. Early surgical management in significant chylothorax (+ 500 ml/d) is suggested before nutritional degeneration occurs. Conservative management should be reserved for those patients who drain less than 500 ml/d.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mohlala
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Mokoena
mesh_terms: D002916:Chylothorax / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*