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Chylothorax as a complication of radical nephrectomy
R D Cespedes1, S J Peretsman, M J Harris
1Department of Urology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
The Journal of Urology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
A rare case of chylothorax and chyloretroperitoneum occurred after kidney cancer surgery. Treatment involved total parenteral nutrition, drainage, and sclerotherapy, successfully managing this complication.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Radical nephrectomy is a standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma.
- Lymphatic system complications are rare following nephrectomy.
Observation:
- A patient developed chyloretroperitoneum and chylothorax post-nephrectomy.
- Initial treatment with medium-chain triglycerides was ineffective.
Findings:
- The complication was attributed to an infradiaphragmatic lymphatic injury with a chest fistula.
- Successful management was achieved with total parenteral nutrition, drainage, and sclerotherapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously unreported complication of radical nephrectomy.
- It underscores the importance of considering lymphatic injury in post-nephrectomy effusions.
- Management strategies for chylothorax post-nephrectomy may require multimodal approaches.