Successful surgical treatment of idiopathic chylothorax using near-infrared fluorescence imaging of indocyanine green

Key Points

• This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of near-infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green in treating idiopathic chylothorax.
• Patient diagnosed with idiopathic chylothorax underwent preoperative lymphatic scintigraphy.
• Conservative treatments were tried including drainage and dietary fat restriction.
• Indocyanine green was injected into bilateral inguinal lymph nodes before thoracoscopic surgery.
• Fluorescence imaging guided the identification of abnormal lymphatic branches during surgery.
• Clip placement was performed based on imaging findings.
• The patient showed no further chylous leakage post-surgery.
• Fluorescence imaging provided higher visibility compared to traditional methods.
• Patient was discharged nine days post-operatively with a good recovery.