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Ascites

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.

Portal Hypertension

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults

Published on: February 28, 2025

Chylous ascites.

Siva K Talluri¹, Harish Nuthakki, Ashvin Tadakamalla

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University Internal Medicine Residency Program, McLaren Regional Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, USA.

North American Journal of Medical Sciences

|February 25, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Chylous ascites, a rare complication following gastric ulcer resection, occurred in an elderly woman post-surgery. Treatment with octreotide and dietary changes proved effective for this lymphatic complication.

Keywords:

Ascites chyle chylous ascites

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults

Published on: February 28, 2025

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Surgical Complications
Lymphatic Physiology

Background:

Chylous ascites, characterized by milky fluid accumulation in the peritoneum, is a known complication of various abdominal surgeries.
While documented after procedures like aortic aneurysm repair and gastrectomy, its occurrence post-gastric ulcer resection is exceptionally rare.
This case highlights an unusual presentation of chylous ascites in an elderly patient.

Observation:

A 70-year-old female developed respiratory distress post-cervical spine surgery, later found to have a perforated gastric ulcer requiring emergent laparotomy.
Post-operatively, she exhibited significant abdominal distention with a large volume of milky fluid (1500 ml/day) collected from her abdomen.
Ascitic fluid analysis revealed elevated triglycerides (170 mg/dl), confirming chylous ascites.

Findings:

The patient's ascitic fluid triglyceride level exceeded 110 mg/dl, the diagnostic threshold for chylous ascites.
No organisms were detected in the ascitic fluid cultures.
The condition was successfully managed with octreotide and a medium-chain triglyceride diet.

Implications:

This case underscores that gastric ulcer resection, though uncommon, can lead to chylous ascites.
Early recognition and diagnosis, supported by ascitic fluid analysis, are crucial for effective management.
Octreotide and dietary modification represent a viable therapeutic strategy for this rare post-surgical complication.