Retrograde Transvenous Lymphatic Embolization for Refractory Chylous Ascites after Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Case Report

Introduction

Chylous ascites is a rare complication of gastric cancer surgery and is usually managed conservatively. However, treating refractory cases with persistent high-output drainage remains challenging. Although lymphangiography with subsequent embolization has recently emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option, the identification of the leakage site is often difficult using conventional intranodal approaches. In such cases, retrograde transvenous lymphangiography and embolization may be feasible and safe. Herein, we describe a case of refractory postoperative chylous ascites after laparoscopic gastrectomy that was successfully treated with retrograde transvenous lymphangiography and subsequent embolization.