Conservative treatment of postoperative chylothorax: a case report.

Background Chylothorax is a well-documented complication of thoracic trauma and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Treatment for chylothorax includes conservative measures (total parenteral nutrition, pleural drainage, and pleurodesis) and surgery (thoracic duct ligation). Case presentation We present the case of a 65-year-old man who developed chylothorax after an elective surgical procedure. In this report conservative treatment aims to reduce chyle flow, to drain the pleural cavity in an effective manner, and to prevent chronic sequelae. Optimal conservative treatment, started immediately upon diagnosis, effectively reduces the need for reoperation and long-term hospitalization, and it might prevent further sequelae of chylothorax. Conclusions The chylothorax was successfully treated conservatively, which may reduce the need for reoperation.