A Rare Complication of Chylous Ascites Following Aortobifemoral Bypass Surgery

Injury of the lymphatic trunk during abdominal aortic surgery causes leakage of chyle into the peritoneum, resulting in chylous ascites. A 53-year male, who underwent aortobifemoral bypass surgery for Leriche syndrome in our clinic, presented to the Emergency Department two months postoperatively, with complaints of abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite and weight loss. Computed tomography imaging and ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a retroperitoneal fluid collection. The patient was admitted and treated with percutaneous drainage of the chylous ascites, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) of a low fatty diet containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and intravenous antibiotics. He was discharged after three weeks of treatment. This case report is an example of a rare complication that may occur after abdominal aortic surgery; and enables us to review treatment options for the management of chylous ascites. Key Words: Chyle,  Ascites, Abdominal aortic surgery.