[Chylous ascites].
A 49-year-old female presented in a casualty department with acute abdomen. The CT scan revealed an extensive build-up of peritoneal and retroperitoneal fluid. Laparotomy revealed chylous ascites in the abdominal cavity. The patient made a successful recovery following treatment with total parenteral nutrition. No cause of the chylous ascites was found. Extensive diagnostics are indicated in adults with chylous ascites without a history of surgery as the most common cause of the condition in this group is malignant lymphoma. Treatment is targeted at a good nutritional status, lowering chylous production and treating the underlying causes.
Bouwman
Lee H
LH
Ziekenhuis Bronovo, Afd. Chirurgie, Den Haag, The Netherlands. lbouwman@bronovo.nl
Wiendels
Dolf R
DR
Rebergen
Sidney A
SA
Guicherit
Onno R
OR
D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D016896:Treatment Outcome