title: Chylous ascites following abdominal aortic surgery.
abstract: Chylous ascites is an extremely rare complication of abdominal aortic surgery. A case with a successful outcome is presented, followed by a review of the 17 published cases. Chylous ascites can result in nutritional imbalance, immunological deficit and respiratory dysfunction. Paracentesis confirms the diagnosis and provides symptomatic relief. Conservative management, beginning with a low-fat diet and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation, is recommended, changing to total parenteral nutrition if unsuccessful. Failure of non-operative treatment may necessitate the need for laparotomy and ligation of leaking lymphatics or peritoneovenous shunting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Panieri
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Kussman
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Michell
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Tunnicliffe
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Immelman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*