[Therapy management of chylothorax]

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of chylothorax poses a challenge to the surgeons' daily practice. The leakage of chyle into the thoracic cavity leads to hypovolemia and also to dysfunction of lipid metabolism, electrolyte imbalance, avitaminosis and immunosuppression. If untreated, the disease will have fatal consequences. This article gives a detailed review of the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment options in the management of chylothorax.