2002•Journal of Lanzhou Medical CollegeRequires access
Surgical treatment of chylothorax
Zhao Lian
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Abstract
Objective To review the experience on surgical treatment of chylothorax.Methods From December 1987 to December 2001,18 patients with chylothorax underwent thoracic surgery.The average amount of chyle in 16 cases is more than 6 500 ml,that of the others is less than 2500 ml.2 cases were treated by thoracic closed drainage,with the others by ligation or string suture of thoracic duct with inferior positioning Results 15 cases in 16 cases of ligation of thoracic duct and 2 cases of drainage were cured.1 case of ligation was recurred postoperation,and was cured by the second ligation.There was no recurrence during follow up 3 months l year.Conclusions It is necessary to treat with surgery as early as possible if the amount of chyle drainage is more than 1 000 ml per day.