Successful management of post-esophagectomy chylothorax/chyloperitoneum by etilefrine

Dis Esophagus. 1999;12(2):155-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1442-2050.1999.00021.x.

Abstract

Post-operative chylothorax and chyloperitoneum resulting from a thoracic duct injury are possible complications of esophagectomy for carcinoma. Management of such conditions includes conservative methods (pleural drainage, chyle flow reduction and supportive nutrition) and surgery. Etilefrine, a sympathomimetic drug used in the management of postural hypotension, also causes smooth muscle contraction of the thoracic duct. We successfully treated three patients with post-esophagectomy chylothorax and chyloperitoneum using intravenous etilefrine. Etilefrine infusion allowed chyle flow resolution in a few days without any side-effects. As result of this experience, we believe that etilefrine deserves to be considered as an alternative therapy in the management of post-esophagectomy chylothorax/chyloperitoneum.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chylothorax / drug therapy*
  • Chylous Ascites / drug therapy*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Esophagectomy*
  • Etilefrine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Sympathomimetics / therapeutic use*
  • Thoracic Duct / injuries

Substances

  • Sympathomimetics
  • Etilefrine