Octreotide therapy for the management of refractory chylous ascites after a staging operation for endometrial adenocarcinoma

External Lymphatic Fistula After Radical Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

The incidence of external lymphatic fistula (ELF) represents a relatively rare complication after surgery for colorectal cancer, especially in Western countries. However, the rate of this complication is progressively increasing following the introduction of complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation with consequent extensive lymphadenectomy. There are no guidelines for the management of ELF, with therapeutic options varying from conservative procedures to more invasive surgeries. The aim of this study was to retrospectively quantify the rate of ELF after surgery for colorectal cancer, to describe its management, and to evaluate its clinical impact on early postoperative outcomes in a tertiary referral European centre.

METHODS

Data on all patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at our institution between July 2022 and December 2024 were entered into a database. Preoperative, perioperative, and early (within 30 days) postoperative data were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 279 patients underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer (205 colon and 74 rectum). No postoperative deaths occurred within 30 days after surgery, and the rates of overall and major (grade ≥ 3) postoperative morbidity were 34.7% and 7.1%, respectively. The anastomotic leakage and reoperation rates were 2.8% and 5.3%, respectively. ELFs occurred in 15 patients (5.3%). In all patients, conservative treatment (based on fasting, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and a prolonged medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet) was administered successfully. A recurrent ELF (after the first oral feeding resumption) occurred in four (26.6%) patients, but all were successfully treated with a conservative approach. The occurrence of an ELF prolonged the postoperative length of stay which was 12 days, a length higher than that recorded in patients without ELF.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of an ELF was found to be a relatively frequent complication after surgery for colorectal cancer and appears to negatively influence only the postoperative length of stay. Conservative management appeared to be a successful treatment.

Ultrasound-Guided Intranodal Lipiodol Lymphangiography for the Assessment and Treatment of Chylous Leaks: A Retrospective Case Series from a Single Center in Switzerland and a Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Lymphatic leaks are well-known complications of major thoracic or abdominal surgeries, which significantly heighten morbidity and mortality rates. While the existing literature provides insights into managing these post-operative leaks, with a step-up approach from conservative measures (CMs) to surgical intervention, there are no standardized treatment guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to offer a management algorithm of post-operative lymphatic leaks based on a systematic literature review (SLR) of the therapeutic effect of Lipiodol lymphangiography (LL), completed by a case series of five patients who underwent LL in our department. Methods: In this IRB-approved study, we conducted an SLR following the PRISMA guidelines, using a PICOS. A quality assessment was performed for each study. The case series consisted of consecutive patients who underwent LL for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes at our institution between September 2018 and December 2020. Results: A total of 39 observational studies were included in the SLR comprising 11 retrospective case reviews (Group 1), and 3 case series as well as 25 case reports (Group 2). In total, these studies report cases of 557 patients (51.52% presenting oncological diagnoses; 43.98% having benefited from lymphadenectomy). Lymphatic or chylous fistulas were the most encountered complication, followed by chylothorax. The median volume of Lipiodol injected during lymphography was 11.7 mL (range: 9.8-75 mL). Overall, LL was technically successful in 77.7% (366/471) of patients. The clinical success of all technically successful LLs was 80.6% (295/366). Time-to-leak resolution after lymphography varied between 1 and 31 days. The factors associated with treatment failure were a high leak output (>500 mL/day) and Lipiodol extravasation on post-LL imaging. Our case series consisted of five patients (mean age: 62 ± 9.24 years; 20% female; 100% oncological diagnoses; 60% having beneficiated from lymphadenectomy). Technical and clinical successes were 80% (4/5) and 75% (3/4), respectively. Time-to-leak resolution varied between 1 and 4 days. The volume and technique of LL was not different from that identified in the SLR. Conclusions: LL is a safe procedure with high technical and clinical success rates that could be proposed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic solution for patients with post-operative central lymphatic lesions.

Management of Chyle Leak in Pediatric Surgical Oncology: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Chyle leak, a rare complication, arises from damage to primary lymphatic vessels due to congenital factors or medical interventions, leading to conditions such as chylothorax and chylous ascites. Managing chyle leaks is challenging, especially in pediatric surgical oncology, often arising as postoperative complications. Treatment options range from conservative dietary adjustments to surgical interventions, depending on leak severity and patient condition. This systematic review examines the management of chyle leaks in pediatric surgical oncology, emphasizing both conservative and surgical approaches.

METHODS

This systematic review involved extensive database searches (EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed) to identify relevant studies on chyle leak management in the pediatric population. The review included studies from 1982 to 2023 and focused on pediatric and adolescent patients, assessing various treatment approaches and outcomes. Nine articles composed of 163 patients (study population size ranging from 2 to 82 patients). Independent reviewers evaluated the selected studies for inclusion.

RESULTS

Among 9 articles analyzed, 98.8% of pediatric patients initially received conservative management for chyle leaks, with 11.7% eventually requiring surgical intervention due to persistent leaks (8, 10, and 16 to 22). Neuroblastoma resection is associated with 20% to 40% rate of chyle leak, and the extent of lymphadenectomy has been identified as a risk factor for chyle leak. The study highlighted variability in clinical success rates based on conservative management approaches.

DISCUSSION

Chyle leak, while rare, presents a complex challenge, especially in pediatric surgical oncology. Various causes and treatment options exist, with a preference for conservative management initially and surgical intervention in specific circumstances. Factors such as leak severity and patient condition guide the choice between approaches. However, the scarcity of comparative data and randomized trials in the pediatric population necessitates further research to establish optimal management strategies for chyle leaks.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management of chyle leaks has proven to be the preferred approach in early stages of treatment, whereas surgical management could be the preferred choice in certain situations. Larger prospective studies are needed to further evaluate these results.

Novel temperature responsive polymer based sealant for embolization

A sealant has been developed that improves upon current catheter-based treatments in the following ways: 1) Efficient delivery system, 2) No in situ polymerization, 3) No harmful byproducts, and 4) Cost-effective formulation. During the development process, particular attention was given to materials that were tunable, safe, and effective sealant agents. The thermo-responsive properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) provides an ideal foundation to develop an optimized solution. Through a combination of model-based and material testing, a hydrogel was developed that balances conformational factors to achieve a customized transition temperature, radiopacity suitable for visualization, mechanical properties suitable for delivery via 3Fr catheter, sufficient cohesion once applied to resist migration under physiological pressures and an improved safety profile. Two applications, embolization of lymphatic leakage and exclusions of the left atrial appendage (LAA), to eliminate LAA dead space to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events, were considered. The material and benchtop results for this product demonstrate the suitability of this new material not only for these applications but also for other potential healthcare applications.

Postoperative Chylous Ascites in Gynecological Malignancies: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review

Aim

To explore the potential factors that influence the presentation and recovery of postoperative chylous ascites (CA) in gynecological malignancies.

Methods

We reported two cases of postoperative CA following gynecological surgery and reviewed the clinical features of 140 patients from 16 relevant papers. Patients' clinicopathological characteristics, surgical approach, and management were summarized. The onset and resolution times of postoperative CA in different groups were analyzed separately.

Results

The two patients in our report had recovery after conservative treatments. According to the literature review, the median time of onset of postoperative CA was 5 days (range, 0-75 days) after surgery. The median resolution time was 9 days (range, 2-90 days). Among patients, 87.14% of them had lymphadenectomy during gynecological surgeries, while 92.86% of the patients had resolution after conservative treatments.

Conclusions

Lymphadenectomy during surgery may be relevant to the postoperative CA. Conservative management could be the initial choice for postoperative CA treatment.

Clinical Practice Guide: Management of Chylous Ascites After Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Chylous ascites is a rare but challenging complication after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Conservative management is successful in most cases, with percutaneous lymphangiography reserved for refractory instances. Surgical interventions are associated with high failure rates.

[Surgery for abdominal neuroblastoma in children]

This review is devoted to surgical approach for neurogenic tumors in children. The authors discuss epidemiological data, history of surgical approaches, preoperative imaging and risk factors. A special attention is paid to the influence of surgical interventions for various neuroblastomas on overall and event-free survival in pediatric population, as well as the most common surgical complications and modern approaches to their treatment.

Successful treatment of intractable chylous ascites after laparoscopic low anterior resection using lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chylous ascites (CA) is an infrequent, intractable complication that may arise after abdominal surgery. Although various attempts at treatment have been adopted, to date, none of them have been consistently effective. We describe the successful treatment of CA using lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 79-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectum cancer at another hospital. She was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 9; however, she had to be treated and hospitalized for CA three times until POD 76. She visited our hospital to undergo treatment for CA on POD 90 because the previous conservative treatment had not improved her condition. The computed tomography (CT) scans revealed ascites effusion. We performed lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol two times. Repeated CT on POD 134 showed that the ascites had not increased.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Lymphangiography and embolization with lipiodol effectively resolved chylous leakage that occurred after abdominal surgery. Additionally, we compare the features of two groups of cases of CA: one group in which patients were treated by lymphatic intervention and the second in which patients were treated through surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

We were thus able to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of lipiodol lymphangiography in treating CA.

Successful minimal invasive treatment of chylous ascites following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case report and review of literature

Introduction

Chylous ascites is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening type of postoperative lymphatic leakage, especially following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old man underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with extended lymphadenectomy and segmental Superior Mesenteric Vein (SMV) resection for SMV-involved pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). After 20th postoperative day, patient had a drain output with a milky appearance, and with a triglyceride level was 1.6 mmol/L, and the daily output volume was up to 1500 mL per day. She has been performed Conventional Lymphangiography (CLAG) to identify the broken lymphatic vessels as well as close the leakage. Following two consecutive lymphangiography, the source of chylous leakage was identified from hilar lymphatic system, and injection of Aetoxisclerol 2% into lymphatic vessels to close the leakage was performed. Partial parenteral nutrition with limited fat components or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) was administered, and the amount of ascites decreased particularly. The drain was removed in 20th day after the second CLAG. He had no symptoms of abdominal distention after drain removal and had been discharged after 37 postoperative days (PODs).

Discussion

Chylous ascites is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Portal lymphatic plexus, which was often isolated and dissected especially with extended lymphadenectomy, is potentially damaged and caused resistant chylous leakage. Newly techniques are updated and applied in diagnosis and treatment for this difficult-to-treat complication, one of them is percutaneous transhepatic Conventional Lymphangiography (CLAG).

Conclusion

CLAG with percutaneous transhepatic access could be effective to identify and terminate the chylous fistula from portal lymphatic plexus after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

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Chylous ascites is a potentially life-threatening type of lymphatic leakage, following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

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Portal lymphatic plexus was a potential location of lymphatic fistula due to the regularity of isolation and dissection in pancreaticoduodenectomy with extended lymphadenectomy.

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Conventional Lymphangiography (CLAG) is an invasion to identify the broken lymphatic vessels and close the leakage.

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Percutaneous transhepatic CLAG is a technique to puncture the portal lymphatic vessels, which could not be approached with other methods.

Lymphatic Leakage after Surgery for Neuroblastoma: A Rare Complication?

INTRODUCTION

 Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in infancy. It is responsible for around 15% of all oncological deaths during childhood. Due to its retroperitoneal location, neuroblastoma is invasively growing directly in and around the lymphatic duct. Consecutively, lymphatic leakage (LL) after surgery for neuroblastoma is a known complication. The purpose of this study is the investigation of frequency and impact of this complication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 Between February 2003 and December 2016, 204 patients with neuroblastoma received surgical treatment in our department. A retrospective analysis for macroscopical extent of resection, duration of drainage postsurgery, maximum amount of fluid drained in 24 hours, MYCN amplification status, therapeutic options for LL, follow-up status, and overall survival was performed.

RESULTS

 A total of 40% of patients (82/204) showed LL to some extent. In patients with MYCN amplification, LL was seen significantly more often than in patients without MYCN amplification status (p = 0.019). LL was also significantly correlated with extent of surgery (p = 0.005). Follow-up status and overall survival were significantly inversely associated with LL (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001). LL was self-limiting in all cases. There was a trend toward shorter duration of LL if either no special therapy was chosen or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was administered (p = 0.0603).

CONCLUSION

 We show that LL in neuroblastoma is a common complication of tumor resection and occurring more often than anticipated. Since, in our study cohort, all cases of LL were self-limiting, we question the indication for invasive therapy besides supporting measures.

Chyle leak following pancreatico-duodenectomy: a tertiary hepatopancreaticobiliary unit's experience and a proposed management algorithm

BACKGROUND

Chyle leak (CL) is an uncommon complication of pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD). Its incidence, risk factors, and effect on prognosis are not well described and optimum management remains debated. This study aims to calculate incidence of CL following PD and identify risk factors. Following a literature review, we have proposed a management algorithm.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent PD between January 2006 and April 2020 at a tertiary hepatopancreaticobiliary unit in the UK. The following data were obtained: age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, body mass index, co-morbidities, duration of surgery, tumour histology, length of stay and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 560 patients were included. Seventeen developed CL (3.04%). Median age was 64 years (range 50-81). Sixteen (94.1%) patients still had their surgical drain in at the time of CL diagnosis. One (5.9%) did not and had free intra-abdominal fluid on computed tomography; a diagnosis was made after an ultrasound-guided drain had been inserted. CL patients were more likely to have higher body mass index (mean 30.5 kg/m² (range 17-43) versus 26.7 kg/m² (22-38)) (P = 0.02) and longer duration of operation (mean 6.2 h (range 4.3-9.0) versus 5.6 (3.0-11.0)) (P = 0.03). All cases of CL resolved without operative intervention. CL did not affect length of stay (median 10 days (range 4-41) versus 11 (4-34)).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, 3.04% of patients who underwent PD developed CL. No patients required a return to theatre, and none had CL recurrence.

A case of left renal atrophy following the development of an infected giant retroperitoneal chylous cyst after laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer

Chylous leakage is caused by interruption of lymphatic vessels carrying triglyceride-rich lymph during para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with gynecological malignancies. Our search of literature revealed no report like our case that the renal atrophy was late onset after healing of the chylous cyst infection. A case is 60-year-old. She was preoperatively diagnosed with endometrial cancer, endometrioid carcinoma FIGO grade 3, stage IA of the FIGO system. Laparoscopic-modified radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy and partial omentectomy were performed. On the 16th postoperative day, a percutaneous drainage was performed, and revealed chylous effusion from the lymph cyst. The drainage tube was removed, and she discharged on the 34th postoperative day. On the 99th postoperative day, a follow-up plain CT to check for a recurrence of endometrial cancer revealed atrophy of left kidney. It is probable that the chylous leakage was the primary cause of renal atrophy. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent chylous leakage during surgery to avoid repeating the same complication again.

Treatment of lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection by lymphangiography and embolization: A case report

Lymphatic leakage is an infrequent but relatively serious complication after resection of retroperitoneal tumors. Although different approaches have been attempted in treatment of lymphatic leakage, none of them has been consistently effective. This study report on a female patient, aged 55-years with massive retroperitoneal tumor, with lymphangiography and embolization for resolution of lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection. Computed tomography revealed retroperitoneal cystadenoma. After the right ureteral stent was placed, the retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed, and after operation, the patient presented with lymphatic leakage unresponsive to several treatment measures. From the thirty-seventh postoperative day (POD37), the patient underwent lymphangiography and embolization, which resolved her lymphatic leakage. Lymphangiography is useful for detecting lymphatic leakage occurring after retroperitoneal tumor resection. Furthermore, lymphatic embolization is feasible, effective, and safe for managing leaks demonstrated on lymphangiography.

Treatment of lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection by lymphangiography and embolization

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This is a rate case of lymphatic leakage after the retroperitoneal giant tumor, which is rare in literature.

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A variety of methods adopted for non-surgical treatment, including the relatively new lymphangiodochography and embolization.

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Through the joint efforts of doctors and patients, patient was finally treated with conservative treatment and discharged.

Lymphatic leakage is an infrequent but relatively serious complication after resection of retroperitoneal tumors. Different approaches have been attempted in treatment of lymphatic leakage. However, to date none of them have been demonstrated consistently effective. We hereby report our preliminary experience with Lymphangiography and embolization for resolution of Lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection.

The patient, a 55-year-old woman with massive retroperitoneal tumor, Computed tomography (CT) revealed that retroperitoneal cystadenoma. After the right ureteral stent was placed, the retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed, postoperatively she presented with lymphatic leakage unresponsive to several treatment measures. From the thirty-seven postoperative day (POD37), the patient underwent Lymphangiography and embolization, which resolved her lymphatic leakage.

Lymphangiography is useful for detecting lymphatic leakage occurring after retroperitoneal tumor resection. Furthermore, lymphatic embolization is feasible, effective, and safe for managing leaks demonstrated on lymphangiography.

Interventional Treatment of Lymphatic Leakage Post Appendectomy: Case Report

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative lymphatic complications are not common, and lymphatic leakage complication post appendectomy (LLCPC) is even rarer. However, the number of this operation is high so LLCPC can occur.

CASE REPORT:

Here, we report a female patient post appendectomy with severe chylous ascites. This patient underwent six operations. A leakage point at the right iliac-fossa, which was embolized successfully after two sessions, was spotted during intranodal lymphangiography. After 6 months, the ascites were significantly reduced while some lymphatic aneurysms still existed in the lumbar-retroperitoneal region.

CONCLUSIONS:

Basing the knowledge of this clinical case and literature, we have concluded that lymphatic leakage can be diagnosed and embolized by percutaneous intervention.

The role of oral oil administration in displaying the chylous tubes and preventing chylous leakage in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed to investigate the possibility of preoperative oral oil administration in displaying the chylous tubes and preventing chylous leakage in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective nonrandomized study, of the 30 patients with gynecological malignancies who had indications for laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to renal vessels, 15 were administered preoperative oral oil (oil a administration) (control group) at our hospital between September 2017 and June 2018. The chylous tube displaying rates, incidences of chylous leakage, and other perioperative data of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Successful display of chylous tubes was observed in 93.3% (14/15) patients in the oil administration group. The chylous leakage was zero in the oil administration group, and 33.3% (5/15) in the control group. The postoperative drainage duration (4.1 ± 1.0 days vs 7.6 ± 1.4 days, P = 0.000), somatostatin application time (0 day vs 5.9 ± 0.8 days), and postoperative hospital stay (6.0 ± 2.3 days vs 9.1 ± 2.1 days, P = 0.001) were significantly shorter in the oil administration group. The total cost is lower in the oil administration group (4972.52 ± 80.54 dollars vs 6260.80 ± 484.47 dollars, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative oil administration is a feasible and effective method to display the chylous tubes and to prevent the chylous leakage in para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

A review of the postoperative lymphatic leakage

Lymphatic complications are rare, but well-known phenomena, and have been described by many researchers. However, many diagnoses of lymphatic complications are found confusing due to different definition. A literature search in Pubmed was performed for studies postoperative lympatic complications. These complications divided into two parts: lymphatic leakage and lymphatic stasis. This review is about lymphatic leakage, especially, postoperative lymphatic leakage due to the injury of lymphatic channels in surgical procedures. According to polytrophic consequences, many types of postoperative lymphatic leakage have been presented, including lymph ascites, lymphocele, lymphorrhea, lymphatic fistula, chylous ascites, chylothorax, chyloretroperitoneum and chylorrhea. In this review, we focus on the definition, incidence and treatment about most of these forms of lymphatic complications to depict a comprehensive view of postoperative lymphatic leakage. We hold the idea that the method of treatment should be individual and personal according to manifestation and tolerance of patient. Meanwhile, conservative treatment is suitable and should be considered first.

Risk factor analysis for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancers and treatment using intranodal lymphangiography with glue embolization

Objective

To evaluate risk factors for massive lymphatic ascites after laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer and the feasibility of treatments using intranodal lymphangiography (INLAG) with glue embolization.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 234 patients with gynecologic cancer who received laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy between April 2006 and November 2015 was done. In June 2014, INLAG with glue embolization was initiated to manage massive lymphatic ascites. All possible clinicopathologic factors related to massive lymphatic ascites were determined in the pre-INLAG group (n=163). Clinical courses between pre-INLAG group and post-INLAG group (n=71) were compared.

Results

In the pre-INLAG group (n=163), four patients (2.5%) developed massive lymphatic ascites postoperatively. Postoperative lymphatic ascites was associated with liver cirrhosis (three cirrhotic patients, p<0.001). In the post-INLAG group, one patient with massive lymphatic ascites had a congestive heart failure and first received INLAG with glue embolization. She had pelvic drain removed within 7 days after INLAG. The mean duration of pelvic drain and hospital stay decreased after the introduction of INLAG (13.2 days vs. 10.9 days, p=0.001; 15.2 days vs. 12.6 days, p=0.001). There was no evidence of recurrence after this procedure.

Conclusion

Underlying medical conditions related to the reduced effective circulating volume, such as liver cirrhosis and heart failure, may be associated with massive lymphatic ascites after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. INLAG with glue embolization can be an alternative treatment options to treat leaking lymphatic channels in patients with massive lymphatic leakage.

Congenital Chylous Ascites and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type VI

We report the first observation of a patient with contgenital chylous ascites (CCA) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI due to primary lymphatic defect with additional vascular anomaly. CCA is a rare condition, and there is limited understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment options. We also review the patient’s treatment course mitigated with octreotide and total parenteral nutritional support, as there are no current established guidelines for CCA. Early recognition of possible association with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is important for quick intervention and successful management of pediatric patients.

The application of nutrition support in conservative treatment of chylous ascites after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Chylous ascites is the pathologic leakage of triglycerides-rich lymphatic fluid into the peritoneal cavity. Chylous ascites is a rare complication in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to find a relatively better method for nutrition support in the treatment of chylous ascites after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective study. This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent abdominal surgery and developed chylous ascites, from the year 2010 to 2014, at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College. Fifty-eight patients who developed chylous ascites after abdominal surgery were included in the study. The clinical effect of somatostatin was evaluated. The differences in the curative efficacy among a daily diet, a low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were also analyzed in this study.

RESULTS

Complete clinical success was reached earlier in patients treated with somatostatin (P<0.001). The tube removal time, the time to resumption of an oral diet, and the length of hospital stay after chylous leakage were significantly different between patients treated with and without somatostatin. The curative efficacies of the enteral nutrition (EN) + MCT plan and the TPN plan were quite similar, with no significant difference, however, were significantly different from the MCT regime, which was the worst. However, using the EN + MCT plan was more cost-effective (P=0.038).

CONCLUSION

In treating chylous ascites, EN + MCT instead of TPN was the best nutrition support. Moreover, somatostatin or its analog octreotide should be used immediately. The treatment with somatostatin in combination with EN + MCT is recommended in the conservative treatment of postoperative chylous ascites.