A surgical case of thoracic duct cyst with preparation to identify the thoracic duct

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal chest shadow. A thoracic duct cyst was suspected because a cystic tumor was found along the course of the thoracic duct on magnetic resonance imaging, and surgery was performed. As preparation to identify the thoracic duct, the patient ingested fatty foods 3 hours before the induction of general anesthesia. During the procedure, the thoracic ducts communicating with the tumor could be easily identified, and these were ligated and dissected. Chylothorax was not noted after the operation. Although thoracic duct cyst is a rare disease, it is essential to treat the thoracic duct communicating with the tumor properly. Our preparation in surgery for thoracic duct cyst is considered a simple and safe method to identify the thoracic duct.