Chylothorax after gastric resection

Traumatic chylothorax has been described as an uncommon complication of various thoracic and cervical surgical procedures. No previous reports have been made of chylothorax following gastric resection for malignancy. Two cases of chylothorax following damage to the thoracic duct during gastric resection for malignancy are presented and the literature is reviewed. The condition was successfully managed by conservative means. Pleural aspiration, combined with total parenteral nutrition in one case and positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation in the other, resulted in complete resolution of the chylous effusions.