Intranodal Lymphangiography and Embolization for Management of Iatrogenic Chylous Ascites after Oncological Surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of intranodal lymphangiography (INL) and lymphatic embolization (LE) in management of chylous ascites after oncologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of records of patients who underwent INL with or without LE from January 2017 to June 2022 was performed. Adult patients with chylous ascites after oncologic surgery referred to interventional radiology after failure of conservative treatment were included. Thirty-nine patients who underwent 55 procedures were included (34 males and 5 females). Data on patient demographics, procedural technique, outcomes, and follow-up were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate technical success, clinical success, and adverse events. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors predicting clinical success. RESULTS: INL was technically successful in 54 of 55 procedures (98%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 90%-100%). A lymphatic leak was identified in 40 procedures, and LE was attempted in 36. LE was technically successful in 33 of the 36 procedures (92%; 95% CI, 78%-98%). Clinical success, defined as resolution of ascites with no need for peritoneovenous shunt placement or additional surgery, was achieved in 22 of 39 patients (56%; 95% CI, 40%-72%). Clinical success was achieved in 18 patients after 1 procedure, and patients who required repeat procedures were less likely to achieve clinical success (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.66; P = .012). Four grade 1 procedural adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: INL with or without LE is a safe minimally invasive tool that can help patients with chylous ascites after oncologic surgery who failed conservative treatment avoid more invasive interventions.

Management of Chyle Leak in Pediatric Surgical Oncology: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Chyle leak, a rare complication, arises from damage to primary lymphatic vessels due to congenital factors or medical interventions, leading to conditions such as chylothorax and chylous ascites. Managing chyle leaks is challenging, especially in pediatric surgical oncology, often arising as postoperative complications. Treatment options range from conservative dietary adjustments to surgical interventions, depending on leak severity and patient condition. This systematic review examines the management of chyle leaks in pediatric surgical oncology, emphasizing both conservative and surgical approaches. METHODS: This systematic review involved extensive database searches (EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed) to identify relevant studies on chyle leak management in the pediatric population. The review included studies from 1982 to 2023 and focused on pediatric and adolescent patients, assessing various treatment approaches and outcomes. Nine articles composed of 163 patients (study population size ranging from 2 to 82 patients). Independent reviewers evaluated the selected studies for inclusion. RESULTS: Among 9 articles analyzed, 98.8% of pediatric patients initially received conservative management for chyle leaks, with 11.7% eventually requiring surgical intervention due to persistent leaks (8, 10, and 16 to 22). Neuroblastoma resection is associated with 20% to 40% rate of chyle leak, and the extent of lymphadenectomy has been identified as a risk factor for chyle leak. The study highlighted variability in clinical success rates based on conservative management approaches. DISCUSSION: Chyle leak, while rare, presents a complex challenge, especially in pediatric surgical oncology. Various causes and treatment options exist, with a preference for conservative management initially and surgical intervention in specific circumstances. Factors such as leak severity and patient condition guide the choice between approaches. However, the scarcity of comparative data and randomized trials in the pediatric population necessitates further research to establish optimal management strategies for chyle leaks. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of chyle leaks has proven to be the preferred approach in early stages of treatment, whereas surgical management could be the preferred choice in certain situations. Larger prospective studies are needed to further evaluate these results.

Single-Center Experience With Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography for Diagnosing Lymphatic Disorders and Guiding Percutaneous Embolization.

BACKGROUND: The pragmatic role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) needs to be evaluated and compared across distinct lymphatic disorders. We aimed to evaluate the performance of DCMRL for identifying the underlying causes of lymphatic disorders and to define the potential benefit of DCMRL for planning lymphatic interventions. METHODS: Patients who underwent DCMRL between August 2017 and July 2022 were included in this retrospective analysis. DCMRL was performed with intranodal injection of a gadolinium-based contrast medium through inguinal lymph nodes under local anesthesia. Technical success of DCMRL and feasibility of percutaneous embolization were assessed based on the lymphatic anatomy visualized by DCMRL. Based on the underlying causes, clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Seventy consecutive patients were included. The indications were traumatic chylothorax (n = 42), traumatic chylous ascites (n = 11), and nontraumatic lymphatic leak (n = 17). The technical success rate of DCMRL was the highest in association with nontraumatic lymphatic disorders (94.1% [16/17]), followed by traumatic chylothorax (92.9% [39/42]) and traumatic chylous ascites (81.8% [9/11]). Thirty-one (47.7%) patients among 65 patients who underwent technically successful DCMRL had feasible anatomy for intervention. Clinical success was achieved in 90.3% (28/31) of patients with feasible anatomy for radiologic intervention, while 62.5% (10/16) of patients with anatomical challenges showed improvement. Most patients with traumatic chylothorax showed improvement (92.9% [39/42]), whereas only 23.5% (4/17) of patients with nontraumatic lymphatic disorders showed clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: DCMRL can help identify the underlying causes of lymphatic disorders. The performance of DCMRL and clinical outcomes vary based on the underlying cause. The feasibility of lymphatic intervention can be determined using DCMRL, which can help in predicting clinical outcomes.

[Laparoscopic Surgery for Delayed Chylous Ascites in Unresectable Gastric Cancer Patient-A Case Report].

Chylous ascites is a rare post operative complication after gastrectomy, which commonly occurs in early postoperative period. Here, we successfully treated a patient with unresectable gastric cancer who occurred chylous ascites 9 months after first surgery and underwent laparoscopic surgery for chylous ascites. Since prolonged chylous ascites may cause malnutrition, surgical treatment should be considered for refractory chylous ascites.

Chylous Ascites: Reassessment of Diagnostic Criteria in Patients With Portal Hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: The triglyceride (TG) threshold for diagnosis of chylous ascites in patients with portal hypertension remains uncertain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of lipoprotein electrophoresis was conducted in 286 consecutive ascites samples. RESULTS: Ascitic TG ≥ 81 mg/dL is 95.4% sensitive and 94.6% specific for chylous ascites diagnosed by the presence of significant chylomicron population. DISCUSSION: The cutoff for chylous ascites diagnosis should be TG ≥ 81 mg/dL.

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis for treatment of refractory chylous ascites: A case report.

Chylous ascites, the leakage of lymphatic fluid into the abdominal cavity caused by lymphatic fluid stasis or lymphatic vessel damage, can be treated by lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). We report rarely performed abdominal LVA to treat a case of refractory ascites possibly caused by ligation of the thoracic duct and pleurodesis in a man aged 60 years requiring weekly ascites drainage. Ligation was abandoned because the leakage site was not determined. The greater omentum (GO) was generally edematous and showed lymphatic effusion by gross appearance, and was considered suitable for LVA. We performed once LVA in the lymphatic vessels and veins of the GO using common microsurgical instrumentation and lateral anastomosis. Lymphatic vessels in the omentum were dilated to 2-3 mm, and LVA was simple. After LVA, GO edema improved. Postoperatively, the patient developed paralytic ileus, which improved within a few days, and the patient was discharged without any increase in ascites after starting to diet. One year post-surgery, there was no recurrence of ascites. LVA at the GO may be effective for the treatment of refractory chylous ascites because of its absorptive lymphatic draining capabilities and large transverse vessels.

[Chylous ascites in NSCLC: It is not always malignant]. / Chylöser Aszites bei NSCLC: Nicht alles ist maligne, was maligne aussieht.

The etiology of chylous ascites is multifactorial. Malignant diseases, cirrhosis, trauma, lymphomatic abnormalities and mycobacteriosis are the most common causes. In NSCLC, chylous ascites is observed with peritoneal metastasis or abdominal lymph node metastases.RET alterations occur in 1-2% of NSCLC patients and since recently they can be treated in a targeted fashion.Our case report shows that new targeted therapies revolutionize prognosis, but confront us with the challenge of new and partly unknown side effects.

[A case of lymphatic vessel abnormality with chylous pneumonia].

Chylous pneumonia is a rare respiratory disease. The main clinical manifestation is coughing up chylous sputum with a variety of causes which can be clarified by lymphangiography. The lack of understanding of the disease, and infrequent lymphangiography have led to a high rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Here, we reported a case of bronchial lymphatic fistula caused by lymphatic abnormality that led to the diagnosis and treatment of chylous pneumonia, with the aim of improving clinicians' understanding of this disease.

Contemporary Management of Chylous Ascites after Retroperitoneal Surgery: Development of an Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm.

PURPOSE: Chylous ascites (CA) is an uncommon complication that occurs from traumatic disruption of lymphatic channels after retroperitoneal surgery. The purpose of this study was to generate an evidence-based management strategy for CA by reviewing the current literature and available treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE® literature review was performed for "chylous ascites." Individual patient data were extracted from case series and reports to create an efficacy analysis. Treatment modality, drain output, time to escalation of care and time to resolution were recorded. The efficacy analysis was utilized to generate a data-driven treatment algorithm. RESULTS: The literature review yielded 1,953 articles, from which 146 studies contributed data for 523 patients. The efficacy analysis included 245 patients, 168 (69%) of whom were managed successfully with conservative management (CM), at a median time to resolution of 11 days. Forty-eight patients underwent lymphangiography±embolization after CM, with a success rate of 85%. Thirty-one (12%) patients underwent surgical exploration. When treating CA, the patients who underwent stepwise management with CM followed by lymphangiography if CM failed experienced a resolution rate of 96.7%. An evidence-based treatment algorithm was created to guide treatment selection and duration of therapy before escalating to additional forms of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we describe the largest conglomeration of iatrogenic CA cases from a literature review (523 cases) and efficacy analysis (245 cases), and created the first evidence-based treatment algorithm for this condition. Treatment success is substantial when using a stepwise combination of CM followed by lymphangiography±embolization.

How we approach pediatric congenital chylous effusions and ascites.

Congenital lymphatic leak may develop in patients with maldeveloped lymphatics and result in life-threatening fluid and electrolyte imbalance, protein deficiency, and immunodeficiency. Rapid diagnosis and therapy are necessary to prevent these complications; however, the field lacks clinical trials to support standardized diagnostic treatment guidelines. We present our current multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of congenital lymphatic leak including chylous pleural effusions and ascites. Depending on the rate of lymphatic leak, therapy can range from observation with nutritional modifications to surgical and interventional procedures aimed to reduce lymphatic drainage. Modalities to image central and peripheral lymphatics have advanced considerably. Genetic variants and subsequent targets that drive lymphatic maldevelopment have expanded the repertoire of possible pharmacotherapeutic options.

Chylous ascites after complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer with D3 lymphadenectomy: A retrospective cohort-study.

AIM: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate risk factors of the occurrence and severity of chylous ascites after complete mesocolic excision (CME) and D3 lymphadenectomy in patients with right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients receiving CME and D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer were included. Risk factors of the occurrence and severity of chylous ascites by using logistic analysis were assessed. A nomogram predicting chylous ascites was constructed. RESULTS: Among 661 patients included in the study, postoperative chylous ascites occurred in 48 (7.3%) patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that prognostic nutritional index (PNI ≤ 47, OR = 2.172, p = 0.016), laparoscopic surgery (OR = 2.798, p = 0.034), operating time (>225 min, OR = 2.645, p = 0.002), and apical lymph node (APN) metastasis (OR = 3.698, p = 0.034) were correlated with the occurrence of postoperative chylous ascites. A nomogram predicting postoperative chylous ascites was constructed (C-index 0.701). 31.2% (15/48) of patients with chylous ascites were resolved in more than 7 days. The number of retrieved lymph nodes (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.002-1.152, p = 0.044) and PNI ≤ 47 (OR = 7.890, 95% CI: 1.224-50.869, p = 0.030) were independently predictive of prolonged chylous ascites resolution (≥7 days). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, 7.3% of patients developed chylous ascites after right hemicolectomy with CME and D3 lymphadenectomy. Laparoscopic surgery, PNI, operation time, and APN metastasis were independently predictive of postoperative chylous ascites. Lower PNI and more retrieved lymph nodes were correlated with prolonged resolution of chylous ascites.

Chylous ascites in the setting of internal hernia: a reassuring sign.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is often reported in cases with lymphatic obstruction or after lymphatic injuries such as intraabdominal malignancies or lymphadenectomies. However, chylous ascites is also frequently encountered in operations for internal hernias. We sought to characterize the frequency and conditions when chylous ascites is encountered in general surgery patients. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent operations for CPT codes related to open and laparoscopic abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery in our tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Patients with the postoperative diagnosis of internal hernia were identified and categorized into three groups: Internal Hernia with chylous ascites, non-chylous ascites, and no ascites. Demographics, prior surgical history, CT findings, source of internal hernia, open or laparoscopic surgery, and preoperative labs were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were found to have internal hernias and were included in our study. 80.3% were female and 86% had a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP). Laparoscopy was the main approach for all groups. Ascites was present in 46% of the cases. Specifically, chylous ascites was observed in 27% of the total operations and was exclusively (100%) found in patients with gastric-bypass history. Furthermore, it was more commonly associated with Petersen's defect (p < 0.001), while the non-chylous fluid group was associated with herniation through the mesenteric defect (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chylous ascites is a common finding during internal hernia operations. Unlike other more morbid conditions, identification of chylous ascites during an internal hernia operation appears innocuous. However, in the context of a patient with a history of RYGBP, the presence of chylous fluid signifies the associated small bowel obstruction is likely related to an internal hernia through a patent Petersen's defect.

Risk factors of chylous ascites and its relationship with long-term prognosis in laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites (CA) after laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer is not rare. However, the risk factors for CA have not been fully explored. Few studies have investigated the effect of CA on long-term prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy in five centers from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the clinicopathological factors associated with CA. Then, the long-term prognosis of patients with and without CA was compared by propensity score matching and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of CA was 4.4% (48/1090). Pathological T stage (p = 0.025), dissection along the left side of the superior mesenteric artery (p < 0.001) and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CA. After propensity score matching, 48 patients in the CA group and 353 patients in the non-CA group were enrolled. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that CA was not associated with overall survival (p = 0.454) and disease-free survival (p = 0.163). In patients with stage III right colon cancer, there were no significant differences in overall survival (p = 0.501) and disease-free survival (p = 0.254). CONCLUSIONS: Pathological T stage, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and left side dissection along the superior mesenteric artery were independent risk factors for CA after laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy. CA does not impair the oncological outcomes of patients.

Chylous ascites with lymphatic leakage localization: technical aspects and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: Carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNS) was applied to locate the lymphatic leakage in chylous ascites (CA). However, the flow speed and distance of the CNS were particularly decreased in the following two cases (patient 5 and 6). This study aimed to investigate and improve the flow speed and distance of the CNS via a rat model. METHODS: Seven patients with CA were accepted for surgery in the past two years. Clinical data were recorded. Rats were divided into two groups to confirm the hypothesis regarding whether accepting milk or orally administered food before surgery was the key factor in CA surgery with CNS. The animals were divided into 2 groups: experimental group of 5 rats receiving fat emulsion injection (2 g/kg) 30 min before the operation and control group of 5 rats receiving saline. We analyzed flow speed and distance of the CNS in two groups of rats. The hypothesis established was that CNS movements pattern differ depending on the degree of capillary lymph duct filling. Finally, the late case reconfirmed the hypothesis again. RESULTS: In animal experiments, the CNS in the preoperative high-fat feeding group moved faster and over a longer distance than that in the control group (0.51 ± 0.09 cm vs. 0.19 ± 0.10 cm, respectively; p < 0.05). Based on this, the CNS was applied to the seventh patient, who had been given a diet with a slightly higher fat content 3 days before the operation, and marked improvement with a complete cure was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The capillary lymph duct was beginning to swell after dietary intake. The dilation of the lymph vessel could make it easier for the CNS to move and reach the leakage.

Refractory ascites after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical option for gallstone disease with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Ascites is a relatively uncommon complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and is more frequently observed in patients with preoperative abnormal liver function. However, patients without underlying liver disease develop refractory ascites after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are rare. We report a case of massive ascites caused by lymphatic injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old woman complained of abdominal discomfort and distension at the twelfth day after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones. Subsequently, the patient developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and a decreased output of urine. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) identified abdominal effusion. The patient received abdominocentesis and the volume of slightly turbid yellow ascites averaged 1500-2000 ml per day. The results of laboratory analysis of ascitic fluid showed the following: serum-ascites albumin-gradient (SAAG), 11-12 g/L; albumin, 11-14 g/L; triglycerides, 0.91 mmol/L. After the diuretic therapy, repeated large-volume paracentesis with albumin supplementation, administration of antibiotics and renal vasodilating medications, the patient's symptoms did not relieve. Lymphoscintigraphy found a small amount of radioactive filling in the abdominal cavity. The patient finally received surgery with detection and ligation of the lymphatic leak. The ascites disappeared and the patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with atypical characteristics of chylous ascites, lymphoscintigraphy could help to localize and qualify the diagnosis. Surgical treatment could be considered when conservative treatment fails.

Lymphatic leakage after pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to evaluate the clinical features and management of postoperative lymphatic leakage (PLL) in patients with cervical cancer who received pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study screened consecutive patients with cervical cancer (stage Ia2-IIb). RESULTS: Among 3427 cases screened, 63 patients (1.8%) were diagnosed with PLL, which manifested as persistent abdominal drainage (42/63, 66.7%), chylous ascites (12/63, 19.0%) or vaginal drainage (9/63, 14.3%). Median time from surgery to onset of PLL was 6 days (range, 4-21 days). All cases resolved in a median 10 days (range, 3-56 days) after conservative treatment; although one case experienced recurrence of vaginal drainage after 26 days, this also resolved after conservative therapy. Multivariate analysis showed that two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 3.283; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.289-8.360; P = 0.013), a decrease in hemoglobin level of ≥20 and < 30 g/L (OR, 6.175; 95%CI, 1.033-10.919; P = 0.046) or ≥ 30 g/L (OR, 8.467; 95%CI, 1.248-17.426; P = 0.029), and postoperative albumin level ≥ 30 and < 35 g/L (OR, 2.552; 95%CI, 1.112-5.857; P = 0.027) or < 30 g/L (OR, 5.517; 95%CI, 2.047-18.148; P = 0.012) were associated with PLL. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative anemia and postoperative hypoproteinemia are risk factors for PLL.

Peritoneovenous Shunt for Intractable Ascites in Children: A Series of 4 Cases.

ABSTRACT: Intractable ascites is a rare condition in children mainly caused by cirrhosis or lymphatic disorders. Internal drainage may be considered as rescue therapy. In our department, 4 patients ages from 2 months to 15 years old underwent a peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) placement between 2010 and 2020. The surgically inserted device was a pumping device that enabled to drain ascites from the peritoneum into the venous system via the internal jugular vein (Denver shunt, BD Company, NJ). Immediate efficient drainage was achieved in all cases and lasted up to 9 years. Two major complications occurred: a postoperative fat embolism requiring urgent temporary ligation of the shunt and endocarditis shortly after inguinal hernia repair performed 16 months after placement of the shunt. Implementation of a PVS may be a useful procedure in patients with refractory ascites. Chylous ascites should be drained and washed totally before activating the device to avoid fat embolism. Antibiotic prophylaxis is required when abdominal surgery is planned while the device is in place.

Chyloperitoneum following open myelomeningocele repair: dealing with an extremely rare finding.

PURPOSE: Chyloperitoneum is an extremely rare finding following myelomeningocele (MMC) repair in neonates. We aimed to describe the characteristics of such a case and explore its clinical significance. CASE REPORT: A male baby born at term with open MMC and hydrocephalus underwent MMC repair surgery with rotational flaps on the first postnatal day. The procedure was uneventful. Three days later, he underwent a right ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion. On opening the peritoneum, a remarkable amount of yellowish opaque fluid was observed. Chyloperitoneum was suspected, but the VPS procedure was completed as planned. Biochemical analysis was consistent with that of chyle. DISCUSSION: Neonatal chylous ascites is a rare condition; hence, available data on pathophysiology and therapy in the literature are scarce. It is postulated that the MMC repair in neonates causes abdominal tautness, which leads to rupture of small lymphatics and raised intraportal pressure. The combination of these two processes results in extravasation of chyle from the gastrointestinal tract. Presence of chyloperitoneum is not a contraindication for VPS insertion. CONCLUSION: Chyloperitoneum is an extremely rare sequela of MMC repair in neonates. Pediatric neurosurgeons should be aware of it, especially when a VPS procedure is to follow a repair, in order to know how to deal with it and avoid unnecessary abandonment of the shunt.

Transcatheter stent implantation in a child with severe stenosis of the inferior caval vein secondary to injury.

Stenosis of the Inferior Caval Vein is rarely encountered in the paediatric setting. A 5-year-old male sustained severe injuries secondary to a fall from a three story balcony and was subsequently found to have severe stenosis of the inferior caval vein resulting in extensive lymphatic drainage with chylothorax, chyloperitoneum, and severe abdominal ascites. This was successfully treated with transcatheter stent placement resulting in complete resolution of the stenosis and significant clinical improvement allowing for transfer to a rehabilitation centre and eventual discharge home.

The deep inferior epigastric lymphatic cable flap connected to gastroepiploic lymph node flap for treatment of refractory chylous ascites: Report of two cases.

Chylous ascites is the leakage of lipid-rich lymph into the peritoneal cavity usually due to disruption of lymphatics or increased peritoneal lymphatic pressure. Various surgical options have been proposed to treat chylous ascites but most have shown suboptimal outcomes. The gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node (GE-VLN) flap has been described previously for the treatment of lymphedema. In chylous ascites, this flap could provide an alternate drainage pathway for the intraperitoneal chylous fluid. The purpose of this report is to present another option for the microsurgical treatment of refractory chylous ascites. Herein, we report two patients with refractory chylous ascites secondary to cancer who have undergone deep inferior epigastric-based lymphatic "cable" flap (DIE-LCF) connected to a pedicle GE-VLN flap. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Within the first 3 months following surgery, the patient's nutritional parameters improved along with drastic reduction of ascites. At 2 years follow-up postoperative abdominal circumference decreased significantly. None required further peritoneal paracentesis and all patients were free of chylous ascites symptoms. In conclusion, the DIE-LCF connected to a pedicle GE-VLN flap could be a feasible option for the microsurgical treatment of refractory chylous ascites.