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    Interventional procedure overview of percutaneous thoracic duct embolisation for persistent chyle leak

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    Description

    Chyle is a fluid made in the intestines during digestion of fat. It flows around the body through a network of lymph vessels and ducts including the thoracic duct. If the thoracic duct is damaged during surgery or by trauma, chyle leaks out (persistent chyle leak) and builds up in the body. In this procedure, under general anaesthesia, ultrasound and X-rays are used to create an image of the thoracic duct and find the leak. Then, using a needle, a tube is inserted through the abdominal wall (percutaneous) and guided into the thoracic duct. Small metal coils and medical glue are inserted through the tube and used to plug the leak (embolisation). The aim is to stop the leak.