Percutaneous translymphatic thoracic duct embolization for treatment of chylothorax

A modified technique for transabdominal, translymphatic occlusion of the th oracic duct is described. During unilateral lymphangiography an abdominal l ymph vessel was punctured with a fine needle under fluoroscopic guidance, a nd a 4 French access to the lymph system established. The thoracic duct was successfully embolized with coils and tissue adhesive in a patient with po stoperative high output chylothorax. Chylous drainage immediately decreased after the intervention, the intercostal drain could be removed after seven days. Long term follow up over a ten months period confirmed the clinical success; the patient is still free of pleural effusions.