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Acute pancreatitis after thoracic duct ligation for iatrogenic chylothorax. A case report
Benoît Bédat1, Cosimo Riccardo Scarpa2, Samira Mercedes Sadowski2
1Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland. benoit.bedat@hcuge.ch.
Background:
To report the association between thoracic duct ligation and acute pancreatitis. The association between sudden stop of lymphatic flow and pancreatitis has been established in experimental models.
Case Presentation:
A 57-year-old woman operated for thymoma presented a iatrogenic chylothorax. After thoracic duct ligation, she presented an acute pancreatitis which resolved after conservative treatment. The chylothorax disappeared within 4 days of thoracic duct ligation.
Conclusions:
This is the first report of acute pancreatitis following thoracic duct ligation. The pancreas and digestive tract should be assessed in symptomatic patients after thoracic duct ligation.
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Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
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Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

