Early thoracic duct ligation for postoperative chylothorax

Four cases of postoperative chylothorax occurring at this institution over the past 5 years, as well as an extensive review of the world literature, are presented. Of the four cases, three occurred after resection of carcinoma of the lung and one after resection of recurrent chondrosarcoma of the chest wall. These patients were treated nonoperatively for varying periods of time ranging from 2 days to nearly 3 weeks. Subsequently, all patients underwent ligation of the thoracic duct. Early reoperation for ligation of the thoracic duct resulted in no morbidity or mortality. In one case of delayed thoracic duct ligation, after an attempt at ligation of minor lymphatic vessels, the single mortality occurred. In view of the experience with these patients and that reported in the literature, we propose that not only is thoracic duct ligation superior to nonoperative management, but that it should be undertaken without delay.