Percutaneous Extra-Anatomic Lymphovenous Bypass Creation: Toward Treatment of Central Conducting Lymphatic Obstructions

Introduction Protein-losing enteropathy manifests as a loss of serum proteins through the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinemia, extravascular fluid retention, and edema. Management consists of nutritional maintenance in conjunction with interventions targeted at treating the underlying etiology. Materials and Methods This report describes a patient with protein-losing enteropathy from a central conducting lymphatic obstruction who was treated with percutaneous extra-anatomic lymphovenous bypass creation. Results A modified gun-sight technique was used to create a lymphovenous bypass between an occluded terminal thoracic duct and the left internal jugular vein. Conclusion A percutaneous technique to reconstruct the terminal thoracic duct via lymphovenous bypass creation was feasible.