Management of chylothorax after thoracic operation: Report of 14 cases

Objective: To study the diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax after thoracic operation.Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with chylothorax after thoracic operation were reviewd retrospectively.Twelve cases received conservative treatments and 2 cases were performed ligation of thoracic duct.Results: Fourteen cases healed well after 5-50 days' treatment(average 10 days).Conclusions: Conservative treatment is the first choice for treatment of chylothorax after thoracic operation;if no improvement is observed after 1 to 2 weeks,ligation of thoracic duct should be considered.