Postpneumonectomy chylothorax: a logical approach to successful management

Chylothorax is unusual as a postoperative complication following pneumonectomy. Although rare today, it can still manifest life-threatening consequences if not recognized and treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Management options range from a conservative approach to immediate re-exploration, each of which has been reported as successful. However, treatment of this entity has been characterized as ill-defined or controversial despite the fact that most approaches to this clinical problem are similar. A successful outcome of this unusual complication is presented based on early recognition and institution of logical principles of conservative management. Treatment should be neither ill-defined nor controversial.