Percutaneous treatment of high-output chylothorax with embolization or needle disruption technique

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2005 Sep;16(9):1257-62. doi: 10.1097/01.rvi.0000167869.36093.43.

Abstract

Surgical ligation of the thoracic duct is associated with a high degree of morbidity; therefore, a minimally invasive approach is desirable. Herein, eight percutaneously treated patients are described. In four patients, the thoracic duct was embolized with use of coils and glue. In the other four patients, lymphatic ducts were disrupted by multiple needle punctures. The median chest tube drainage substantially decreased in both patient groups from more than 1,300 mL the day before the procedure to less than 300 mL 2 days after the procedure. The median times to chest tube removal were 7 days in the embolization group and 3.5 days in the needle disruption group.

MeSH terms

  • Adhesives / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chest Tubes
  • Chylothorax / diagnosis
  • Chylothorax / therapy*
  • Device Removal
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic System / pathology
  • Lymphatic System / surgery
  • Lymphography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  • Needles*
  • Punctures
  • Thoracic Duct / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Duct / pathology
  • Thoracic Duct / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adhesives