Work

A case of severe retroperitoneal chyle leakage and subsequent chylothorax secondary to partial laparoscopic nephrectomy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Retroperitoneal chyle leakage combined with chylothorax after nephrectomy is rare in clinical practice. We report a 41-year-old female who developed severe chyloretroperitoneum along with subsequent chylothorax after partial nephrectomy. The patient underwent nutritional control, received octreotide treatment and had a complete recovery after 58 days. A damage to the cisterna chylic could account for the leakage. The chylothorax was a displacement through the diaphragmatic hiatus. Comprehensive review showed that near 30 % of such patients would require re-surgery or interventional treatment. The current case stresses the importance of careful examination, timely diagnostic test and appropriate treatment of abnormal drainage after nephrectomy. • Retroperitoneal chyle leakage is a rare but severe adverse event of nephrectomy. • Chylothorax can occur as a displacement of retroperitoneal leakage. • Medium chain triglyceride diet or total parenteral nutrition is recommended for patients with chyle leakage. • Re-surgery or interventional treatment should be considered if nutritional management shows unsatisfactory response.

Source: Urology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2025.103037

Authors: Lu Ping, Chuhan Wang, Haoran Huang, Runmeng Cui, Jian Cao, Jie Dong

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Plastic Surgery Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Lymphatic Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,160