Radiat Oncol J.  2017 Dec;35(4):380-384. 10.3857/roj.2017.00178.

Low-dose radiation therapy for massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy

• Kim SW
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2401792
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3857/roj.2017.00178

Abstract

Massive chylous leakage is a rare postoperative complication that can prolong hospital stay and cause secondary morbidities. Conservative management strategies are the treatment of choice; however, radiation therapy (RT) can be used as an alternative for cases that are refractory to conservative treatment. Herein, we report a 69-year-old female patient who suffered from massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy. Due to persistent massive chylous leakage, she was scheduled to undergo low-dose RT. Radiation was delivered with a daily dose of 1 Gy, using an anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior beam arrangement. The clinical target volume encompassed the entire lymph node area of the D2 dissection. RT was completed at the total dose of 8 Gy because the amount of chylous leakage declined rapidly. Percutaneous drainage tube was removed after 3 days of RT. The patient did not complain of any symptoms related to massive chylous leakage 2 years after the completion of RT.

Keyword

Chylous ascites; Radiotherapy; Gastrectomy

MeSH Terms

Aged
Chylous Ascites
Drainage
Female
Gastrectomy*
Humans
Length of Stay
Lymph Nodes
Postoperative Complications
Radiotherapy