Chylothorax: an unusual complication of anterior thoracic interbody spinal fusion

Chylothorax as a complication of anterior thoracic spine fusion is described in the case of a male with congenital kyphosis. Treatment with protracted chest tube drainage was required, along with dietary modification in which fat ingestion was restricted. This complication is reported to occur in 0.2% of intrathoracic operations and may give rise to a 50% mortality unless properly recognized and managed.