First Case of Chylous Ascites after Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Case Report with a Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Chylous ascites is a rare form of ascites characterized by milk-like peritoneal fluid, rich in triglycerides. Clinical signs and symptoms include abdominal distention, pain, nausea, and vomiting. In gynecology, the most common cause for its occurrence is lymph dissection leading to impairment of major lymphatic vessels. There are only a few reported cases of chylous ascites arising after operations for benign diseases. Case report: We report a case of a 46-year-old female patient, who underwent laparoscopy for a myomatous node with chylous ascites occurring on post-surgery Day 2. The ascites was conservatively managed. The exact cause of the chyloperitonitis could not be determined. Conclusion: Although extremely rarely, chylous ascites may also occur in operative interventions for benign diseases in gynecological surgery.

Keywords: benign disease; chylous ascites; myomectomy; surgery.

Figure 1

Intraoperative finding of the subserous myoma.

Figure 2

Ascites.