To evaluate the feasibility, safety, treatment outcome, and the individualized surgical procedure selection of the interventional treatments of chylous leakage.

From July 2019 to January 2022, the clinical data of 60 consecutive patients with chylous leakage underwent interventional treatment were respectively analyzed. The cases included chylothorax (n=37), chylous ascites (n=10), chyluria (n=4), chylothorax combined with chylous ascites (n=5), chylothorax combined with chylopericardium (n=2), and pelvic chylous effusion (n=2). Conservative treatment was considered to have failed for all patients. The lymphangiography was firstly performed to detect chylous leakage, then an individualized procedure was selected according to the lymphangiography results. The treatment outcomes and complications were recorded, and follow-up was performed.

Lymphangiography was technically successful in 55 of 60 patients (91.7%), and no cisterna chyli and thoracic duct opacification was observed in 5 patients. The procedures for the patients included lymphangiography alone (n=23), thoracic duct embolization (n=23), thoracic duct disruption (n=5), lymphatic embolization for pelvic chylous effusion (n=4), and balloon plasty for thoracic duct (n=5). Clinical success was achieved in 53 of 60 cases (88.3%). The complication rate was 8.3% (5/60), and all complications were minor. The median follow-up time was 11 months (range 0.5-30 months) for 56 patients, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. There was one patient presenting the reoccurrence of symptom, and 8 patients died.

The interventional treatment of chylous leakage is safe with good outcomes and low complication rate. Individualized treatment procedures based on the lymphangiography findings is feasible and with good curative effect.

Radiology, interventional; Chylous leakage; Lymphangiography