title: Thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct.
abstract: Traditional operative management for chylous drainage refractory to conservative therapy is thoracic duct ligation via right open thoracotomy. This case report details successful thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct for a chylous leak following a left neck dissection. Since the thoracoscopic approach is less morbid than open thoracotomy, early operative management is recommended for thoracic duct injuries.
authors.affiliation: Norwood Clinic, Inc., Birmingham, AL.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Pinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000601:surgery; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D013908:Thoracotomy; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery