Laparoscopic thoracic duct clipping for persistent chylothorax after extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Tsubokawa, Norifumi; Hamai, Yoichi; Hihara, Jun; Emi, Manabu; Miyata, Yoshihiro; Okada, Morihito · Ann Thorac Surg · 2012

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We describe a 68-year-old man who was treated by laparoscopic thoracic duct clipping for persistent chylothorax after an extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Initial conservative treatment did not resolve the postoperative chylothorax. A second surgery through the thoracic approach was considered invasive and difficult after extrapleural pneumonectomy. A laparoscopic approach proved effective and resolved the chylothorax. Thus, laparoscopic thoracic duct clipping is considered very useful for treating chylothorax.

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