A case of refractory chylothorax following aortic arch replacement successfully treated with multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy

Key Points

• The aim is to present a case of refractory chylothorax following aortic arch replacement and its management.
• Case report of a 68-year-old male post-aortic arch surgery with chylothorax.
• Chest tube ligation was performed, followed by transfer to a respiratory medicine department.
• Thoracoscopic surgery and bronchial occlusion were employed to manage pleural effusion and airway secretions.
• Chylothorax was confirmed as the pleural effusion type.
• Post-operative pneumonia worsened requiring ventilatory support.
• After bronchial occlusion and treatment, pneumonia improved and chylothorax resolved, allowing for discharge.