Usefulness of video thoracoscopy in the management of spontaneous and postoperation chylothorax

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate indications and results o f video thoracoscopy (VATS) in the management of nine chylothorax cases. Methods: Four spontaneous chylothorax cases were treated by VATS and talc p leurodesis with immediate positive results. Among five postoperation chylot horax cases, two were treated early by VATS and selective lymphatic clippin g (VATS group), and three had medical treatment (MT group. Results: Duration of drainage was 4 days for the VATS group versus 15.3 day s for MT group. Amount of collected chyle was 2.4 l versus 5.7 l, respectiv ely. Conclusions: We suggest that VATS should be considered the treatment of cho ice for spontaneous chylothorax and could be indicated earlier in postopera tion chylothorax.