Chylothorax: Current Therapeutic Options

Therapeutic options in management of chylothorax encompass conservative, surgical and also interventional measures. Despite the fact that interventions have been performed in substantial numbers of patients - particularly thoracic duct embolisations - general knowledge about this therapeutic option is still limited. Therefore, this article gives an overview of the state of the art for therapeutic options, also emphasising radiological/interventional procedures. At present, interventional treatment has lower morbidity and mortality, and is especially indicated after failed surgical therapy, or in inoperable patients.