Postpneumonectomy chylothorax: a logical approach to successful management.
Chylothorax is unusual as a postoperative complication following pneumonectomy. Although rare today, it can still manifest life-threatening consequences if not recognized and treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Management options range from a conservative approach to immediate re-exploration, each of which has been reported as successful. However, treatment of this entity has been characterized as ill-defined or controversial despite the fact that most approaches to this clinical problem are similar. A successful outcome of this unusual complication is presented based on early recognition and institution of logical principles of conservative management. Treatment should be neither ill-defined nor controversial.
Trotter
M C
MC
Department of Surgery, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121.
Ochsner
J L
JL
McFadden
P M
PM
D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography