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Posterior retroperitoneoscopic thoracic duct ligation: a novel surgical approach

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Abstract

Background

Treatment of postoperative chylothorax can be challenging. Conservative treatment and/or surgical management by means of open or minimally invasive thoracic duct ligation for persistent chylothorax are accepted therapeutic options. We present a new retroperitoneoscopic approach for thoracic duct ligation.

Methods

Between January 2006 and May 2017, posterior retroperitoneoscopic thoracic duct ligation was performed in four patients. The thoracic duct was identified transdiaphragmatically and ligated cranially to the cisterna chyli using absorbable clips.

Results

Retroperitoneoscopic ligation resulted in a complete and lasting chylothorax resolution in three patients and marked improvement in a fourth one. Mean operative time was 86 min (range 40–135). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Retroperitoneoscopic thoracic duct ligation is feasible and safe. It allows for a precise anatomical exploration of the thoracic duct caudally to the chyle leak, avoiding the previous operative field and resulting in minimal morbidity. In patients with persistent chylothorax, our approach provides an additional therapeutic option.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Catherine Cers-Meunier for illustrating the anatomical features, to Carlos Alves for video editing, and to Christopher Burel, Guy Temporal, and Iana Shutrova for their valuable assistance in proofreading the manuscript.

Funding

No external funding has been received to support this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery and Center of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Evang. Huyssens-Stiftung/Knappschaft GmbH, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Henricistrasse 92, 45136, Essen, Germany

    B. Seeliger, P. F. Alesina & M. K. Walz

Authors
  1. B. Seeliger
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  2. P. F. Alesina
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  3. M. K. Walz
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Correspondence to B. Seeliger.

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Disclosures

Drs. Barbara Seeliger, Pier F. Alesina, and Martin K. Walz have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Seeliger, B., Alesina, P.F. & Walz, M.K. Posterior retroperitoneoscopic thoracic duct ligation: a novel surgical approach. Surg Endosc 32, 3732–3737 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-018-6262-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-018-6262-5

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