title: Chyloretroperitoneum following anterior spinal deformity correction. Case report.
abstract: Chyloretroperitoneum is an uncommon complication following spinal surgery. The authors present the case of a patient in whom conservative treatment and initial surgical measures failed to relieve varied symptoms of postsurgical chyloretroperitoneum. Following attempts at conservative management, a peritoneal window was surgically created to divert lymphatic flow from the retroperitoneal space into the peritoneal space, where it was resorbed. This unique surgical technique provides yet another option in the treatment of refractory chyloretroperitoneum following anterior lumbar spinal surgery. The authors describe their technique and review retroperitoneal lymphatic anatomy along with similar case reports in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0338, USA.
authors.forename: Cheerag D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Upadhyaya
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: La Marca
mesh_terms: D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*