Chylothorax occurs due to the accumulation of chylous effusion in the pleural cavity. The etiology can be diverse, ranging from congenital to inflammatory, malignant, or traumatic causes, most commonly arising after surgeries of the mediastinum, heart, and lungs. It is a serious condition, and underestimating it can have fatal consequences. Therapy depends, among other factors, on the cause, severity, and course of the chylothorax. In many cases, conservative therapy is sufficient, while in indicated cases, interventional radiological or surgical or microsurgical approaches may be necessary. The book, authored primarily by MUDr. Marek Szkorupa, Ph.D., is the first publication dedicated to this topic. It is primarily intended for pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons but will also be useful for doctors from other fields who encounter chylothorax in their practice.
