摘要
Chylous ascites, an uncommon disease usually caused by obstruction or rupture of the peritoneal or retroperitoneal lymphatic glands, is defined as the accumulation of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. It is a difficult management problem due to the serious mechanical, nutritional, and immunological consequences of the constant loss of protein and lymphocytes. Most investigators believe that the incidence of chylous ascites is increasing because of more aggressive thoracic and retroperitoneal surgery and also because of the prolonged survival of patients with cancer. Although the incidence of chylous ascites has increased in recent years, treatment remains unsatisfactory. The standard conservative treatments include paracentesis, a medium chain triglyceride （MCT） based diet, total parenteral nutrition （TPN）, and recently recommended somatostatin, are preferable in most cases, but usually need several weeks to cure chyloperitonum. Open or laparoscopic ligation of ruptured lymph ducts, a commonly used procedure for persistent chylous ascites, may fail in patients without visible chylous leak. Fibrin glue, a widely used approach to treat various kinds of fistulae, has recently been reported to seal chylous leak during operation. Here we present two cases of chylous ascites who were successfully treated with fibrin glue in different settings.
Chylous ascites, an uncommon disease usually caused by obstruction or rupture of the peritoneal or retroperitoneal lymphatic glands, is defined as the accumulation of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. It is a difficult management problem due to the serious mechanical, nutritional, and immunological consequences of the constant loss of protein and lymphocytes. Most investigators believe that the incidence of chylous ascites is increasing because of more aggressive thoracic and retroperitoneal surgery and also because of the prolonged survival of patients with cancer. Although the incidence of chylous ascites has increased in recent years, treatment remains unsatisfactory. The standard conservative treatments include paracentesis, a medium chain triglyceride （MCT） based diet, total parenteral nutrition （TPN）, and recently recommended somatostatin, are preferable in most cases, but usually need several weeks to cure chyloperitonum. Open or laparoscopic ligation of ruptured lymph ducts, a commonly used procedure for persistent chylous ascites, may fail in patients without visible chylous leak. Fibrin glue, a widely used approach to treat various kinds of fistulae, has recently been reported to seal chylous leak during operation. Here we present two cases of chylous ascites who were successfully treated with fibrin glue in different settings.
