Tension chylothorax: a rare life threatening entity after pneumonectomy.

Chylothorax is an accumulation of chyle in the pleural space due to disruption or blockage of the thoracic duct or its lymphatic tributaries. The thoracic duct carries chyle, which is defined as lymphatic fluid of intestinal origin, to the bloodstream. Chylothorax can occur due to traumatic or non-traumatic a etiologies. Chylothorax is a known complication of thoracic surgery and can occur after significant trauma. However, tension chylothorax is an extremely rare and life threatening complication after thoracic surgery. We describe a patient who developed tension chylothorax 2 weeks after a left pneumonectomy was performed. Early recognition and prompt treatment of this life threatening entity are essential.