Limited retroperitoneal and peritoneal lymph accumulations are undoubtedly common following abdominal aortic reconstruction. However, intractable and symptomatic chylous ascites is a fortunately uncommon occurrence in this setting, though probably not as rare as suggested by the presence of only six cases in the world literature. 1—6 A case of intractable chylous ascites following aorto-femoral reconstruction is presented with a review of the previous six cases in order to clarify the clinical presentation, course, and management aspects of post-operative chylous ascites, specifically in vascular patients with a synthetic graft in place.
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