Low-dose radiation therapy for massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy.
- Author:
Sang Won KIM
1
;
Jung Hoon KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Chylous ascites; Radiotherapy; Gastrectomy
- MeSH: Aged; Chylous Ascites; Drainage; Female; Gastrectomy*; Humans; Length of Stay; Lymph Nodes; Postoperative Complications; Radiotherapy
- From:Radiation Oncology Journal 2017;35(4):380-384
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Massive chylous leakage is a rare postoperative complication that can prolong hospital stay and cause secondary morbidities. Conservative management strategies are the treatment of choice; however, radiation therapy (RT) can be used as an alternative for cases that are refractory to conservative treatment. Herein, we report a 69-year-old female patient who suffered from massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy. Due to persistent massive chylous leakage, she was scheduled to undergo low-dose RT. Radiation was delivered with a daily dose of 1 Gy, using an anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior beam arrangement. The clinical target volume encompassed the entire lymph node area of the D2 dissection. RT was completed at the total dose of 8 Gy because the amount of chylous leakage declined rapidly. Percutaneous drainage tube was removed after 3 days of RT. The patient did not complain of any symptoms related to massive chylous leakage 2 years after the completion of RT.
