Thoracic Duct Drainage during Lymphangiography

Abstract

In 26 patients lymphangiography was combined with the thoracic duct drainage and with the
removal of the contrast medium passing via the thoracic duct. In patients with intact lymph nodes
33.0 per cent and in patients with tumorous involvement of lymph nodes 18.5 per cent of the
contrast medium were removed and thus prevented to enter the blood circulation. Thoracic duct
drainage prevented the increase in serum GOT which was found in patients submitted tQ
lymphangiography without the thoracic duct drainage. Thoracic duct drainage was supposed to
be effective in reducing the risk of oil embolism in lymphangiography.