title: Post-thoracotomy chylothorax--a cure in the abdomen?
abstract: Operative control via a thoracic approach of chylothorax can be difficult to achieve, particularly if the chyle leak is secondary to previous thoracic surgery. This report describes the ligation of the thoracic duct at the level of the diaphragmatic hiatus, via an abdominal approach. This technique was the definitive management in four of the last 5 patients presenting with chylothorax in our unit. Typically the leak ceased within 24 h with early discharge of the patient from hospital.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Ragoowansi
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thorpe
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy