Combined occurrence of chyloperitoneum and chylothorax after retroperitoneal surgery

Abstract

Chyloperitoneum is a rare complication of abdominal or retroperitoneal surgery, and the combined occurrence of chylothorax and chyloperitoneum bas been reported in only a few cases. We describe a case of this complication, which became clinically apparent 20 days after a Warren shunt operation. The large chylous effusion compromised breathing and required chest tube drainage, pleurodesis, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet, and, later, total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The patient made a full recovery on TPN for 5 weeks.