Articles

LYMPHOGENOUS CYST-VEIN SHUNT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHYLOTHORAX AND CHYLORRHEA

Authors: , , , , ,

Abstract

A 36 year -old woman developed marked lymphedema and chylous cysts of the lower abdominal wall, groin, labia, accompanied by chylorrhea. After cyst excision and trans­ plantation of the greater omentum, a left chylothorax occurred. After thoracic duct ligation and left pleurodesis, pleural effusion recurred and worsened. Lymphangioscintigraphy and conventional lymphography suggested that undrained enlarged retro­ peritoneal lymphatics in the right iliac fossa had disrupted and lymph had leaked into the left chest from  the right iliac fossa. Treatment by a lymphatic cyst-vein anastomosis redirected excess chylous lymph into the blood circulation and chylothorax initially remitted. Several years later with recurrence of chylorrhea, the anastomosis was found to be occluded. After a second operative connection between a lymphogenous cyst and the greater saphenous vein, chylorrhea subsided and chylothorax has remitted for more than 4 years.

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How to Cite: Shen, W. , Sun, Y. , Geng, W. , Wu, G. , Sun, Y. & Xia, S. (2001) “LYMPHOGENOUS CYST-VEIN SHUNT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHYLOTHORAX AND CHYLORRHEA”, Lymphology. 34(4).