RESUMEN
@#Objective To compare the postoperative chylothorax outcomes of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), analyze the risk factors for postoperative chylothorax after minimally invasive radical lung cancer resection and explore possible prevention and control measures. Methods Between June 2012 and September 2020, 1 083 patients underwent minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection in our hospital, including 578 males and 505 females with an average age of 60.6±9.4 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operation methods: a RATS group (499 patients) and a VATS group (584 patients). After propensity score matching, 434 patients were included in each group (868 patients in total). Chylothorax and other perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative chylothorax. Results Overall, 24 patients were diagnosed with chylothorax after surgery. Compared with the VATS group, the rate of chylothorax was higher (3.9% vs. 1.6%, P=0.038), the groups and numbers of dissected lymph nodes were more (both P<0.001), and the intraoperative blood loss was significantly less (P<0.001) in the RATS group. There was no statistical difference in the postoperative hospital stay (P=0.256) or chest tube drainage time (P=0.504) between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed that gender (P=0.021), operation approach (P=0.045), smoking (P=0.001) and the groups of dissected lymph nodes (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the development of chylothorax. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking [OR=4.344, 95%CI (1.149, 16.417), P=0.030] and the groups of dissected lymph nodes [OR=1.680, 95%CI (1.221, 2.311), P=0.001] were the independent risk factors for postoperative chylothorax. Conclusion Compared with the VATS, the rate of chylothorax after RATS is higher with more dissected lymph nodes and less blood loss. The incidence of chylothorax after minimally invasive radical lung cancer resection is higher in the patients with increased dissected lymph node groups and smoking history.
RESUMEN
Postoperative chylothorax remains a clinical challenge to the surgeon with substantial morbidity and risk of mortality. Though an uncommon complication, it is known to complicate cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgeries. Conservative measures are first employed in managing this. Surgical options are adopted when the effusion is protracted, most recent of which includes diaphragmatic fenestration. A 9-year-old girl is presented who developed recurrent right chylothorax following thoracoscopic excision of a cystic lymphangioma. Following failed conservative therapy, she had thoracic duct ligation and right diaphragmatic fenestration (using fenestrated polytetrafluoroethylene patch) with satisfactory outcome. Aetio-pathologic mechanisms implicated in postoperative chylothorax have been classified into traumatic (iatrogenic injury to the thoracic duct or its branches) and non-traumatic. With initial conservative measures (repeated pleural aspirations and intercostal drainage, medium chain triglyceride/ low fat feeds or alternatively, fasting and total parenteral nutrition) spontaneous closure remains unpredictable. Diaphragmatic fenestration when employed resulted in faster resolution of effusion and earlier commencement of enteral feeding with no significant complication. Diaphragmatic fenestration is effective and safe for treating refractory post-operative chylothorax.