Successful management of chylous ascite after removal of residual mass in non-seminomatous germ cell tumours following chemotherapy: A single-center experience and review of the literature

Abstract

IntroductionChylous ascites is a rare but morbid condition following removal of residual mass in non-seminomatous germ cell tumours following chemotherapy. Case presentationWe hereby present the case of a 20-year-old man who had undergone RPLND with complete surgical excision. A lesion of the Cisterna chyli complicated the operation. The post-operative course was marked by the appearance of chylous ascites. The conservative management strategy for this complication was successful, but only after a month. Clinical discussionChylous ascites is a rare but morbid condition following removal of residual mass in non-seminomatous germ cell tumours following chemotherapy. Conservative management based on a high-protein diet with fat restriction and medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, and somatostatine are usually successful. Surgery should be reserved for situations that are refractory to treatment. ConclusionsWe report our successful management and, we also analysed the different management protocols using our experience and review of the literature.