Chylothorax: an omnipresent reality in thoracic surgical procedures.

Loss of integrity of the thoracic duct will produce a chylous thoracic effusion. latrogenic chylothorax occurring during an intrathoracic surgical procedure in the vicinity of the thoracic duct is an omnipresent reality. The fluid is characteristically milky in appearance, sterile, and high in fat content.There seems to be a general agreement that initial management be conservative, namely, dietary control and adequate drainage. The success of conservative management will depend on collateral lymphatic channels developing. If conservative measures fail, thoracotomy for ligation of the duct is indicated. When to terminate nonoperative therapy and opt for operative is controversial.