Advances in the treatment of chylothorax after chest tumor surgery
Chylothorax is a severe complication following thoracic tumor surgery,primarily caused by intraoperative damage to the thoracic duct or its branches,leading to the leakage and accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity.The substantial loss of chyle can result in hypoproteinemia,loss of lipids,elec-trolyte imbalances,and pleural effusion,causing severe complications such as malnutrition and respiratory failure.In recent years,with advancements in surgical techniques and lymphatic intervention technology,the combination of precise localization and minimally invasive surgery has reduced trauma,significantly im-proving the success rate of chylothorax treatment after thoracic tumor surgery,and shortening the patient's hospital stay.This article aims to summarize the latest advancements in the treatment of chylothorax post-thoracic tumor surgery based on relevant studies.It will focus on introducing new techniques for chylothorax treatment,including near-infrared fluorescence imaging of thoracic duct,percutaneous thoracic duct embo-lization,and laparoscopic ligation of cisterna chyli.