Chylous ascites following laparoscopic adrenalectomy: case report and literature review

Abstract

We report a case of chylous ascites developing the first post-operative day after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The early initiation of treatment with total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin analog led to rapid resolution of the ascites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of chylous ascites after laparoscopic adrenalectomy and we report it to stress the need for greater awareness and attention (meticulous dissection, permanent use of hemoclips and/or suture ligatures instead of electrocautery) even for simpler laparoscopic urologic procedures.