Pleuroperitoneal shunt for chylothorax and chylopericardium in lung cancer: a case report

Abstract

A 70-year-old man with T1N3M1 stage IV squamous cell carcinoma in the right upper lobe of the lung developed chylothorax and chylopericardium as rare simultaneous complications. Intravenous hyperalimentation, repeated pleurodesis, and ligation of the thoracic duct were all ineffective. A pleuroperitoneal shunt was inserted into the right pleural cavity from the fifth intercostal space, and a peritoneal catheter was placed in the abdominal cavity. Chylothorax was markedly improved, and the quality of life of the patient increased. This case indicates that a pleuroperitoneal shunt can be used for lung cancer-related chylothorax, as well as for malignant pleural effusion.