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Zentralbl Chir 2012; 137(6): 580-586
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262632
Studienupdate

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart ˙ New York

Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphocutaneous Fistulas, Chylascites and Chylothorax as Infrequent but Serious Complications Following Surgical Procedures*[1]

Ätiologie, Diagnostik und Behandlung der lymphokutanen Fistel, des Chylazites und Chylothoraxes als seltene, aber ernsthafte Komplikation chirurgischer OperationenF. Benedix1 , H. Lippert1 , F. Meyer1
  • 1Universität Magdeburg, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 May 2011 (online)

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Introduction

Lymphorrhea (syn. chylorrhea) is rarely observed and can be considered as a serious complication of various diseases, syndromes and conditions. It is defined as a pathological lymphatic flow “via falsa” due to a leakage of lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the consequences of fluid collection within various cavities and organs predominate including the loss of protein- and fat-enriched fluid as well as immunocompetent cells. 

Invasive procedures and surgical interventions are the most frequent cause of traumatic damage to lymphatic vessels. In lymphocutaneous fistulas, predominantly local problems such as infections and delay of wound healing can be found. In contrast, patients with postoperative chylous ascites or chylothorax are mainly threatened by severe nutritional and metabolic disturbances and occasionally systemic infections. These may strongly complicate the postoperative course, increase mortality and, thus, increase the treatment costs. 

As postoperative lymphorrhea rarely occurs, there is only little clinical experience available and this mainly in large hospitals. Therefore, a systematic review of current diagnostic and therapeutic options for lymphocutaneous fistulas, chylous ascites and chylothorax appears to be useful to help to improve the management of postoperative lymphorrhea. 

1 *Modified version of the manuscript recently published under Benedix et al. Post-surgical lymphocutaneous fistula, chylous ascites and chylothorax – infrequent but serious complications: etiology, diagnosis and therapeutic option.
Zentralbl Chir 2007; 132: 529–538 (DOI 10.1055/s-2007–981364 // ISSN 723–7065). Article in German.

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1 *Modified version of the manuscript recently published under Benedix et al. Post-surgical lymphocutaneous fistula, chylous ascites and chylothorax – infrequent but serious complications: etiology, diagnosis and therapeutic option.
Zentralbl Chir 2007; 132: 529–538 (DOI 10.1055/s-2007–981364 // ISSN 723–7065). Article in German.

Dr. F. Benedix

Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg A. ö. R. · Klinik für Allgemeine, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie

Leipziger Str. 44

39120 Magdeburg

Deutschland

Phone: 03 91 / 6 71 55 00

Fax: 03 91 / 6 71 55 70

Email: frankbenedix@gmx.de

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