Chylous Leak During Posterior Approach to Juvenile Scoliosis Surgery: A Case Report
Publication Date
2020
Journal Title
JBJS Case Connect
Abstract
CASE: We report the first documented case of chylous leak recognized intraoperatively during posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for juvenile scoliosis in a female patient with a history of thoracotomy and decortication for an empyema. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic duct injury can lead to severe morbidity and mortality because of chylothorax formation. Although chylous leaks are a well-documented complication of the anterior approach to spine surgery, leaks during the posterior approach are rarely reported. When these chylous leaks are recognized intraoperatively, the likelihood of serious complications may be minimized by drain placement before closure.
Volume Number
10
Issue Number
1
Pages
e0100
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Orthopedic Surgery
PMID
DOI
10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00100