Fibrin glue application in the management of refractory chylous ascites in children

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective review of the charts of 6 children who underwent surgical treatment of chylous ascites refractory to conservative measures between 1993 and 2006 was to evaluate the efficiency of fibrin glue application for control of lymph leakage. Five children had postoperative chylous ascites (neuroblastoma, 4; cystic lymphangioma, 1) and 1 had a congenital malformation. Surgical exploration revealed large areas of diffuse lymphatic leakage in all of the patients. Lymphatic fistula was not identified intraoperatively in any patient. Ingestion of lipophilic dye in a concentrated fatty meal was not helpful in locating a lymph fistula. Absorbable mesh was used in association with glue application in the last 3 patients treated. Control of ascites was achieved immediately in 2 patients and within 3 weeks in 2 patients. Repeat surgery was required in the remaining 2 patients. The mean follow-up time was 4.3 years. One patient died of tumor recurrence 12 months after surgical treatment without relapse of the ascites. Two mild late recurrences were observed at 6 and 11 months after surgery and were managed conservatively. The findings of this study show that fibrin glue application on absorbable mesh after dissection of the leakage zones is easy, safe, and effective. We recommend that surgery with glue application be repeated until control of ascites is achieved. We suggest fibrin glue application as a preventive measure against postoperative chylous ascites.