Embolización percutánea del conducto torácico en quilotórax iatrogénico. Reporte de caso

Abstract

. Thoracic duct injury is a rare complication of any intrathoracic surgical intervention but potentially severe if proper treatment is not instituted. Early surgical intervention is required in cases with large refractory chyle output but may be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Next, we present the case of a 66-year-old male patient with a history of having undergone radical hybrid esophagectomy for neoplasia in the lower third of the oesophagus, who in the mediate postoperative period presented bilateral pleural effusion, compatible with chylothorax. Treatment was initially conservative; given the unfavourable evolution, it was subsequently treated with percutaneous embolization of the thoracic duct, yielding an adequate resolution. This case demonstrates the efficacy of percutaneous thoracic duct embolization as a treatment alternative, as it is a minimally invasive, safe and effective method.