Postoperative chylothorax review.

The spectrum of causes of chylothorax is wide, including an injury to the thoracic duct in various thoracosurgical procedures, especially in esopha-geal, lung and heart surgery. Late diagnosis or inadequate treatment of chylothorax still has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This is mainly related to high losses of chyle which is rich in minerals, plasma proteins, fats and lymphocytes. The most serious effects are mineral breakdown, malnutrition and immunodeficiency. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy are essential. The strategy is based on the type of primary operation, the volume of chyle secretion and its duration. The authors present an overview of the issue of chylothorax from its etiology of origin to its anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and therapy.