Traumatic chylothorax occurs more often now than in historic reports. In part, this
is due to the increased ability to perform more advanced and aggressive thoracic resections
and cardiovascular surgeries as well as the improved mortality of cancer patients.
If untreated, chylothorax can result in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly
in patients with underlying malignancy. Thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax
was the first successful lymphatic intervention and has been performed for over 20
years. An overview of the clinical and technical approach to thoracic duct embolization
for traumatic chylothorax is presented in addition to a review of outcomes.
Keywords
chylothorax - thoracic duct embolization - iatrogenic - traumatic - postoperative
- interventional radiology
