Case Reports of Postoperative Chylous Ascites after Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

We report 3 cases of postoperative chylous ascites after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The first case was a 65-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy for ascending colon cancer. Chylous ascites began to develop the day after commencement of oral intake. He was treated by fasting and drainage. Once the chyle leakage had reduced the drainage tube was removed. He was discharged on the 21^st postoperative day. The second case was a 60-year-old woman, and the third case was a 53-year-old man. They had both undergone laparoscopic high anterior resection with D3 lymphadenectomy for rectal cancer. Chyle leakage occurred, but was treated successfully by drainage alone in each patient. Fasting and total parenteral nutrition are not necessarily required in the treatment of chyle leakage after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. It is important to diagnose chyle leakage early and to adequately drain it off.