Chylothorax after esophagectomy treated with inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization

Abstract

Chylothorax after esophagectomy is a serious complication that is associated with major morbidity due to dehydration and malnutrition. Reoperation with ligation of the thoracic duct is considered for patients with high-output chyle leaks that have failed conservative management. In this report, we present the treatment options for chylothorax after esophagectomy: inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization. A 74-year-old man with esophageal cancer had been operated with thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Six days after surgery, he presented with high-output chyle leaks. Conservative treatment did not result in a significant improvement. Inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization were performed 13 days after surgery and were technically and clinically successful. Inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization are an effective treatment option, especially for patients after esophagectomy with reconstruction performed via the posterior mediastinal route, without the potential for damage the gastric tube and omentum.