Work

Chylous ascites as a postoperative complication of a robot-assisted D3 extended right hemicolectomy: a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Chylous ascites is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity due to disruption or obstruction of abdominal lymphatic vessels. It typically presents as painless abdominal distention and is diagnosed by the presence of elevated triglycerides in the ascitic fluid. Although malignancy is the most common cause, abdominal surgery should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Treatment is primarily conservative and includes a high-protein, low-fat diet with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation. In cases with poor response or contraindications to enteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition is indicated, reserving surgical intervention for refractory cases. We report a rare case of chylous ascites following a robot-assisted D3 extended right hemicolectomy, successfully managed with conservative therapy.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf622

Authors: Luis F Llerena Freire, Giannella I Llerena Freire

Institutions: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato, Universidad de Las Américas, Universidad de las Américas

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: $1,000