Chylothorax
BA Merrigan, DC Winter… - Journal of British …, 1997 - academic.oup.com
BA Merrigan, DC Winter, GC O'sullivan
Journal of British Surgery, 1997•academic.oup.comBackground Chylothorax is a condition that is debilitating to the point of threatening life.
There is controversy over its management, in particular the relative merits of conservative
measures and the timing of surgical intervention. Method The literature is reviewed from the
basic sciences of chyle composition and flow, to diagnostic approaches, the complications of
chyle loss and appropriate management strategies. Results and Conclusion Prompt
diagnosis is essential to institute an effective therapeutic regimen. Surgery achieves fast …
There is controversy over its management, in particular the relative merits of conservative
measures and the timing of surgical intervention. Method The literature is reviewed from the
basic sciences of chyle composition and flow, to diagnostic approaches, the complications of
chyle loss and appropriate management strategies. Results and Conclusion Prompt
diagnosis is essential to institute an effective therapeutic regimen. Surgery achieves fast …
Abstract
Background Chylothorax is a condition that is debilitating to the point of threatening life. There is controversy over its management, in particular the relative merits of conservative measures and the timing of surgical intervention.
Method The literature is reviewed from the basic sciences of chyle composition and flow, to diagnostic approaches, the complications of chyle loss and appropriate management strategies.
Results and Conclusion Prompt diagnosis is essential to institute an effective therapeutic regimen. Surgery achieves fast, safe and effective reversal of this dire situation. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic techniques are gaining wide recognition. Early intervention, which should be aggressive and complete to avoid the immune and nutritional consequences of extended chyle depletion, is recommended.
Oxford University Press