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Chylothorax following transsternal total thymectomy: a case report.
Fumiaki Kato1, Masaki Tomita1, Kohei Shimmura2
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Miyakonojo Medical Center, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|January 13, 2023
Summary
A rare case of chylothorax, a type of pleural effusion, occurred after a thymectomy for an anterior mediastinal tumor. This complication was successfully managed with conservative therapy, highlighting its infrequent occurrence post-thymectomy.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Anterior mediastinal tumors are often treated with thymectomy.
- Thymectomy, particularly via median sternotomy, carries potential surgical risks.
- Chylothorax is a rare but serious complication involving lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman underwent thymectomy for an anterior mediastinal tumor.
- No significant pleural effusion was noted 7 days post-surgery.
- A massive right-sided pleural effusion developed by post-operative day 17.
Findings:
- The massive pleural effusion was diagnosed as chylothorax.
- The patient's chylothorax was successfully treated using conservative management strategies.
- This case underscores the rarity of chylothorax following thymectomy.
Implications:
- Conservative management can be effective for post-thymectomy chylothorax.
- Increased vigilance for delayed pleural effusions after thymectomy is warranted.
- This case contributes to understanding rare thoracic surgery complications.
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