Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Unilateral Chylothorax: 1 case report.
- Author:
Je Kyoun SHIN
1
;
Jong Pil JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital. jkshin@uuh.ulsan.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Chylothorax
- MeSH:
Adult;
Chylothorax*;
Drainage;
Female;
Hospitals, Private;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Pleura;
Pleural Effusion;
Pleurodesis;
Polypropylenes;
Thoracotomy;
Thorax
- From:The Korean Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
1999;32(6):599-602
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
A 51-year-old woman was transferred from a private hospital for persistent massive left pleural effusion. Available examination methods did not reveal the cause of the disease. The pleural effusion was confirmed as chylothorax by thoracentesis and chest computed tomography. Previous tube drainage and pleurodesis had failed. Therefore we decided on an operative approach. A left thoracotomy revealed nothing abnormal except for the oozing lymph from the mediastinal pleura, which was sutured by 4-0 prolene. Decortication and pleurodesis were done at the same time. Postoperative course was uneventful and no recurrent pleural effusion was recognized for 3 months. Adult Idiopathic unilateral chylothorax with unknown etiology is rare, but this case was successfully treated with an operative method.
