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Postoperative chylous ascites: An institutional experience over two years
Author(s) -
Yeo Matthew S.W.,
Tan Lincoln G.L.,
Chang Stephen K.Y.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
surgical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.109
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1744-1633
pISSN - 1744-1625
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-1633.2008.00415.x
Subject(s) - chylous ascites , medicine , ascites , chyle , abdominal distension , surgery , lymphatic system , complication , immunology
Chylous ascites is defined as the abnormal accumulation of chylous fluid in the abdominal cavity. This is an uncommon occurrence and is usually a result of disruption of the normal lymphatic channels during surgery at the base of mesentery, retroperitoneum or around the cisterna chyli. Chylous ascites is associated with significant morbidity such as malnutrition and ascitic distension, and may delay the commencement of chemotherapy in some patients. The authors performed a retrospective review of an institutional experience over 2 years (2005–2006), involving three cases of postoperative chylous ascites. Treatment modality and outcomes, as well as volume of chylous drainage were followed clinically. All three patients were treated successfully with non‐surgical means. All three had cessation of oral feeding, while the use of intravenous somatostatin led to early cessation of ascites in one case. The patients have been followed up and have not had recurrence or long‐term sequelae of chylous ascites. Chylous ascites is an uncommon condition for which early recognition and commencement of treatment is essential in preventing morbidity. In our experience, non‐surgical treatment of chylous ascites leads to favourable clinical outcomes.