A conservative approach to a thoracic duct injury caused by left subclavian vein catheterization

Publication date: Available online 19 September 2017 Source:Egyptian Journal of Anaesthesia Author(s): Vedran Premuzic, Ranko Smiljanic, Drazen Perkov Thoracic duct injury is a rare complication of left subclavian vein catheterization. A significant injury could lead to chylothorax, a condition with high mortality rate if not treated. It is diagnosed with lymphography or by laboratory tests of pleural fluid aspirate. A 51year old Caucasian male with a history of unregulated hypertension presented to our Emergency department (ED) with anginous symptoms and increased serum creatinine level. After the placement of a temporary central venous catheter for hemodialysis in left subclavian vein, he developed lymph leakage on puncture site beside the catheter, at drainage rate of 75ml/h. In the absence of more serious clinical symptoms, conservative treatment with close patient monitoring and diet changes was chosen, rather than more invasive treatment options.
Source: Egyptian Journal of Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research