Hemothorax and chylothorax.

Hemothorax and chylothorax remain perplexing medical problems. The primary cause of hemothorax is trauma, whereas the primary cause of chylothorax is cancer. Most patients with hemothorax can be treated with chest tube drainage only. Early thoracotomy with thoracic duct ligation is recommended for patients with chylothorax when conservative treatment with chest tube drainage and hyperalimentation fails. Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for chylothorax related to cancer. Video-assisted thoracoscopy may play an increasing role in the surgical treatment of both hemothorax and chylothorax.