Thoracoscopic Management of Chylothorax by Application of a Fibrin Sealant Patch

Heart Lung Circ. 2024 Jul;33(7):e35-e37. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2024.01.038. Epub 2024 Feb 26.

Abstract

Thoracic duct ligation is a demanding procedure when the chyle leak and/or the duct itself are not identified. This report describes a new procedure using thoracoscopic closure of the chyle leak by application of a fibrin sealant patch. This strategy was successfully applied for closing (i) a small fistula due to a postoperative lesion of the lymphatic tributary vessels in one case, and (ii) a large fistula due to idiopathic rupture of the thoracic duct in another case.

Keywords: Chylothorax; Fibrin sealant patch; Tachosil; Thoracoscopy; Thymectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chylothorax* / etiology
  • Chylothorax* / surgery
  • Female
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive* / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracic Duct* / surgery
  • Thoracoscopy* / methods

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive