Chylothorax after left side pneumothorax surgery managed by OK-432 pleurodesis: an effective alternative.

ABSTRACT

Chylothorax, a relatively rare complication of thoracic surgery, mostly occurs on the right side. We present a 16-year-old male who received thoracoscopic surgery for left spontaneous pneumothorax. Chylothorax developed on the postoperative 2(nd) day and resolved after diet control on the 4(th) day. Unfortunately, chylothorax recurred 2 weeks later. Chest drainage and nil per os with total parental nutrition were given but in vain. Thereafter, chemical pleurodesis with OK-432 was performed. Chylothorax resolved on the next day. The relevant literature is reviewed and possible pathogenesis clarified.