Petrasek A J, Ameli F M
Department of Surgery, Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Can J Surg. 1996 Dec;39(6):499-501.
Chylous ascites is an uncommon complication of aortic surgery. In the past, operative management was the standard therapy. A 62-year-old man with chylous ascites was treated successfully with paracentesis and total parenteral nutrition alone. A review of the recent literature suggests that a preliminary course of conservative therapy can limit the need for operative intervention to those who fail the primary conservative treatment.