Lymphangiography to treat postoperative lymphatic leakage: a technical review

• Published in: Korean Journal of Radiology Vol. 15; no. 6; pp. 724 - 732
• Main Authors: Lee, Edward Wolfgang, Shin, Ji Hoon, Ko, Heung Kyu, Park, Jihong, Kim, Soo Hwan, Sung, Kyu-Bo
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Radiology 01-11-2014; 대한영상의학회
• Subjects: Abdomen; Anesthesia; Ascites; Catheterization; Chest tubes; Chylothorax - diagnostic imaging; Chylothorax - therapy; Chylous Ascites - diagnostic imaging; Chylous Ascites - therapy; Embolization; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Intervention; Lymph Nodes - diagnostic imaging; Lymph Nodes - surgery; Lymphatic system; Lymphography; Medical imaging; Radiation; Thoracic Duct - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonic imaging; 방사선과학; United States > US; Lymphatic fistula; Chylous ascites; Lymphangiography; Chylothorax
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330
• DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2014.15.6.724

In addition to imaging the lymphatics and detecting various types of lymphatic leakage, lymphangiography is a therapeutic option for patients with chylothorax, chylous ascites, and lymphatic fistula. Percutaneous thoracic duct embolization, transabdominal catheterization of the cisterna chyli or thoracic duct, and subsequent embolization of the thoracic duct is an alternative to surgical ligation of the thoracic duct. In this pictorial review, we present the detailed technique, clinical applications, and complications of lymphangiography and thoracic duct embolization.