[Chylous ascites after pelvic irradiation for urologic malignancy].

CASE: A 74-year-old woman had a history of transitional papillary carcinoma of the urethra, treated with brachytherapy and radiation therapy. She was hospitalized for exploration of chylous ascites. After a work-up, we concluded it was due to chyloperitoneum caused by a post-radiation lymphatic opening. Conservative treatment, including a low-fat high-protein diet, together with medium-chain triglycerides, led to the drying of the ascites.

DISCUSSION: Development of chylous ascites after radiation therapy requires first of all a search for a tumor recurrence. Nonetheless, radiation induction must be considered; its course is usually benign with good response to conservative treatment.