Colletta A J, Mayer P J
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1982 Jan-Feb;7(1):46-9.
Chylothorax as a complication of anterior thoracic spine fusion is described in the case of a male with congenital kyphosis. Treatment with protracted chest tube drainage was required, along with dietary modification in which fat ingestion was restricted. This complication is reported to occur in 0.2% of intrathoracic operations and may give rise to a 50% mortality unless properly recognized and managed.
