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Usefulness of video thoracoscopy in the management of spontaneous and postoperation chylothorax
1Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, 1 Rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen Cedex, Rouen, France.
Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate indications and results of video thoracoscopy (VATS) in the management of nine chylothorax cases.
Methods:
Four spontaneous chylothorax cases were treated by VATS and talc pleurodesis with immediate positive results. Among five postoperation chylothorax cases, two were treated early by VATS and selective lymphatic clipping (VATS group), and three had medical treatment (MT group).
Results:
Duration of drainage was 4 days for the VATS group versus 15.3 days for MT group. Amount of collected chyle was 2.4 l versus 5.7 l, respectively.
Conclusions:
We suggest that VATS should be considered the treatment of choice for spontaneous chylothorax and could be indicated earlier in postoperation chylothorax.