AI Article Synopsis

  • Chylothorax is a rare but serious complication that can occur after esophageal cancer surgery, particularly during the esophagectomy phase.
  • Management typically starts with conservative treatment, but surgical options like thoracic duct ligation may be necessary for persistent cases.
  • There is no clear consensus on management due to its rarity, but a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach has been successfully used in some cases, and vigilance for potential thoracic duct injury is crucial post-surgery.

Article Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare complication, especially after esophageal cancer surgery. It may occur mainly in the thoracic stage of esophagectomy. The management of chylothorax is usually conservative, surgical reoperation with thoracic duct ligation being reserved for those cases refractory to that treatment. We discuss issues of diagnosis and therapeutic attitude, as evidenced by the literature, although a general consensus has not been established, most likely due to the low frequency of this complication. We emphasize the minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach, as it has been applied for two cases with this type of complication. A high rate of suspicion for thoracic duct injury should be maintained in all patients after esophageal surgery, with any pleural effusion entering the differential diagnosis of chylothorax.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.21614/chirurgia.2722DOI Listing

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