[Chylothorax. A case review and literature overview]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Chylothorax is a rare condition characterized by lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• It is often caused by trauma, surgery, or malignancy, leading to potential malnutrition and metabolic disturbances.
• Symptoms are similar to other pleural effusions, but long-term chylous depletion poses unique challenges.

Observation:

• The study reviews literature on chylothorax and presents a case of a 75-year-old patient experiencing chylothorax post-suprarenal aortic aneurysm surgery.
• Initial conservative management strategies proved ineffective in resolving the chylothorax.
• The patient's condition necessitated a more invasive interventional approach.

Findings:

• Chylothorax following suprarenal aortic aneurysm surgery is a rare but significant complication.
• Conservative management of post-surgical chylothorax can be challenging and may not always be successful.
• Surgical intervention, specifically pleuroabrasion and talc pleurodesis, can be an effective treatment option.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing chylothorax in the context of complex aortic surgery.
• Effective treatment strategies are crucial to prevent long-term complications like malnutrition and immunological dysfunction.
• Pleuroabrasion and talc pleurodesis offer a viable therapeutic option for refractory chylothorax post-aortic surgery.