Novel treatment for chylothorax after esophagectomy with 50% glucose pleurodesis

Abstract

Chylothorax is characterized by the presence of chyle in the pleural space and cardiothoracic surgery accounts for nearly half of all the cases. Treatment of chylothorax has traditionally been nonoperative, with alternative medical therapies involving the administration of octreotide or pleurodesis. Pleurodesis with chemical agents has previously been reported, but never with 50% glucose and 0.1% xylocaine. Herein, we report a successful method of intrapleural instillation of 50% glucose and 0.1% xylocaine to treat chylothorax. Five patients treated with this method were all recovered rapidly. This method can generate extensive adherence and prevent the effusion of the chylous fluid with minor side effects.