Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Video-assisted surgery outcomes for chylothorax in 15 cats
By Dickson, Rachel et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2024·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic treatment of idiopathic chylothorax in 15 cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Fifteen cats with a condition called idiopathic chylothorax, which causes fluid buildup in the chest, underwent a minimally invasive surgery called thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation to treat their issue. While the surgery was generally successful, five cats developed complications like persistent fluid buildup, and unfortunately, four cats died or were euthanized shortly after the procedure. The study found that while the surgery itself had a low rate of immediate complications, the overall survival rate for cats with this condition remains concerningly low. More research is needed to improve treatment outcomes for these cats.
People also search for: cat chylothorax treatment · cat fluid in chest surgery · feline thoracoscopic surgery outcomes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) treatment of chylothorax in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned cats. METHODS: The medical records of cats undergoing thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax were reviewed. Cats undergoing additional procedures including thoracoscopic pericardectomy and/or laparoscopic cisterna chyli ablation (CCA)_were included. Follow up was obtained through communication with the referring veterinarian or owner. RESULTS: All cats underwent thoracoscopic TDL. Thirteen cats underwent simultaneous pericardectomy and two cats underwent laparoscopic CCA without pericardectomy. Conversion from a thoracoscopic to open approach was necessary in 2/15 (13%) of thoracic duct ligations and 1/11 (9%) of pericardectomies. The most common postoperative complication was persistent pleural effusion in five cats (33%). Four of 15 cats (27%) died or were euthanized prior to hospital discharge following surgery. Recurrence of effusion occurred in 1/7 (14%) of cats that sustained resolution of the effusion at the time of surgery with a median follow up of 8 months. The overall mortality attributed to chylothorax was 47%. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic treatment of idiopathic chylothorax resulted in a low incidence of intraoperative complications or conversion in the study population; however, mortality related to feline idiopathic chylothorax remained high. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: While VATS treatment of idiopathic chylothorax is technically feasible, further consideration of the underlying pathology and current treatment algorithm is needed to improve outcomes as this remains a frustrating disease to treat in the feline population.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38695732/