Massive Chylous Ascites in a 9-Year-Old Girl with Malrotation—A Case Report

Abstract

AbstractMalrotation leading to massive chylous ascites is rare. A 9-year-old girl was investigated for slowly increasing abdominal distension under a year. She had no vomiting, weight loss, or pain, but was bothered in social situations. Medical investigations, including ultrasound and computed tomography scans, revealed massive ascites. Laparocentesis yielded milk-colored fluid, confirmed as lymph through laboratory analysis. A complete blood count, liver function and hematologic parameters, chyle cytology, bacterial cultures, and polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis were all within normal limits.She was referred to a tertiary center for vascular anomalies. A dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography showed normal lymphatic anatomy without leakage or flow obstruction. A whole-body magnetic resonance imaging revealed a central mesenteric rotation.She was referred to a tertiary center for pediatric surgery, where a laparoscopic Ladd's procedure was performed using a new 5 mm pediatric sealing device, along with an appendectomy using a 5 mm stapler. To derotate the bowel, fenestrations were created in compartments containing a substantial amount of chyle and ascites, resulting in the drainage of 2.4 L of fluid. She was discharged the day after surgery and has been in good health for 1 year. We present a video illustrating the Ladd's procedure steps in this patient.