Alternative approach to the management of post-operative chylothorax

Chylothorax is a rare complication of cardiothoracic surgery which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Surgical intervention is necessary in cases refractory to the traditional medical management. However, the increased morbidity and mortality rates of surgical intervention are heralding the growing popularity of percutaneous intervention. We present here a case report of a patient who developed chylothorax, following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who was refractory to medical management. In view of persistent chylothorax, the patient underwent percutaneous intervention and plugging of the chyle leak, which resulted in prompt cessation and resolution of the chylothorax and symptomatic improvement in the patient. Percutaneous intervention such as thoracic duct embolization may be considered a successful alternative to surgical intervention for treatment of chylothorax.