Postpneumonectomy tension chylothorax.
Chylous leak from the thoracic duct into the pleural space may occur after any type of thoracic surgery. This is a serious, often life-threatening entity. Two cases of postpneumonectomy chylothorax with hemodynamic compromise are reported. Early recognition, pathophysiology, and optimal management of this problem are discussed.
D000368:Aged; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery