📖 Overview
Lymphography allows visualisation of lymphatic channels and the thoracic duct. Combined with thoracic duct embolization, it is the reference treatment for chylothorax (milky lymphatic fluid in the pleural space) and chylous ascites following surgery, trauma, or spontaneous lymphatic leak.
At Cochin AP-HP, the procedure uses ultrasound-guided intranodal injection of Lipiodol® into inguinal lymph nodes to opacify the thoracic duct, followed by percutaneous transabdominal access to the cisterna chyli for embolization with coils and/or glue (cyanoacrylate).
🎯 Indications
- Post-surgical chylothorax (cardiac surgery, oesophagectomy, lung resection)
- Chylous ascites (post-retroperitoneal surgery, lymphoma)
- Traumatic thoracic duct injury
- Failed conservative management (MCT diet, octreotide, chest drain) after 2 weeks
🔗 Related pages
🇫🇷 This page is also available in French: lymphographie.html