Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56(2): 103-105
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965708
Original Thoracic

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Treatment of Chylothorax with Elemene

Q. Jianjun1 , Z. Song1 , L. Yin2 , Z. Jia1 , L. Donglei1
  • 1The Department of Thoracosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
  • 2The Department of Thoracosurgery, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
Further Information

Publication History

received February 24, 2007

Publication Date:
18 February 2008 (online)

Abstract

Background: Chylothorax is a disorder with a variety of causes and is often difficult and complex to manage. There are two treatment options for chylothorax: conservative management or surgical intervention. Conservative management of chylothorax consists of pleural fluid drainage, supportive ventilation, supplementation of fluid loss, and elemental diet or total parenteral nutrition. Surgical repair often results in significant morbidity and mortality. Pleurodesis is also an appropriate method of treatment. Elemene, an extract of the ginger plant, is also a sclerosing agent and can be used for pleurodesis. Methods: In this study, 23 consecutive patients were treated for high-output chylothorax. 0.5 % elemene emulsion injection (40 ml) was injected into the pleural cavity. The injection can be repeated if necessary. Results: All patients experienced resolution of symptoms. 7 patients received sclerotherapy with elemene once, 11 patients received it twice and 4 patients received it three times. 1 patient required five applications of elemene. The side effects included chest pain and fever but were considered sustainable. Conclusion: Elemene is an effective and safe treatment for patients with chylothorax.

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Dr. Qin Jianjun

The Department of Thoracosurgery
The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University

No 1, Jianshedong Road

450052 Zhengzhou

China

Email: qinjianjun@yahoo.com.cn