Cholecystitis-an uncommon complication following thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax: A case report

BACKGROUND: Chylothorax is an uncommon condition in which chyle leaks into the pleural cavity, and biliary peritonitis is a rare complication of thoracic duct embolization in clinical practice. CASE SUMMARY: We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with chylothorax and underwent thoracic duct embolization using a coil and a mixture of histoacryl glue and lipiodol. The patient developed upper abdominal pain and fever after the intervention. She was diagnosed with biliary peritonitis and treated with cholecystectomy at Hanoi Medical University Hospital. CONCLUSION: Although thoracic duct embolization is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it is not without risk. Following thoracic duct embolization, severe or persistent abdominal pain should be explored utilizing imaging data and laboratory results to determine problems as soon as possible.