A case of idiopathic chylothorax treated with thoracoscopic ligation of thoracic ducts and resection of the cisterna chyli

Abstract

Ligation of the thoracic duct is generally used for the treatment of chylothorax. However, in many cases so treated, additional treatments are often needed after surgery because of incomplete healing. We report a case of idiopathic chylothorax involving a 62-year-old woman, who was successfully treated with ligation of thoracic ducts and resection of the cisterna chyli employing a thoracoscopic approach. Preoperative magnetic resonance-thoracic ductography (MRTD) was useful in deciding on the indication of thoracoscopic surgery. We believe that resection of the cisterna chyli can provide a better chance for healing of the chylothorax.