Chylous Ascites Revisited - old Disease, new Management

Abstract

Extravasation of chyle from the intestinal lymphatics into the peritoneal cavity results in chylous ascites, identified by its characteristic milky appearance. Chylous ascites is rare, but it has been suggested that its incidence may be increasing in the adult population. Successful management depends on identifying the underlying cause of the lymphatic disruption. The spectrum of causative pathologies seen in adult and paediatric practices are vastly different: congenital lymphatic problems predominate in the latter, while occult malignancy often causes adult chylous ascites. This review looks at the various aetiologies, diagnosis and the recent advances in the management of this condition. gynaecological malignancies, while in the paediatric population, both sexes are affected equally. It has been suggested that the incidence of chylous ascites may be increasing in line with higher incidence of malignant disease and complications of HIV infection. The reason for this may simply reflect increased reporting of the disorder, or it may be due to increasing diagnostic capability. The majority of early reports of chylous ascites describe anecdotal cases, and there are very few series describing the causes and management of the condition. This again reflects the rarity of chylous ascites. There is a need for a review of this rare cause of ascites to highlight changing aetiology and new therapeutic options.