CHYLOUS ASCITES FOLLOWING ABDOMINAL AORTIC-SURGERY

Chylous ascites is an extremely rare complication of abdominal aortic surgery. A case with a successful outcome is presented, followed by a review of the 17 published cases. Chylous ascites can result in nutrit ional imbalance, immunological deficit and respiratory dysfunction. Pa racentesis confirms the diagnosis and provides symptomatic relief. Con servative management, beginning with a low-fat diet and medium-chain t riglyceride (MCT) supplementation, is recommended, changing to total p arenteral nutrition if unsuccessful. Failure of non-operative treatmen t may necessitate the need for laparotomy and ligation of leaking lymp hatics or peritoneovenous shunting.