Introduction: chylous ascites (CA) is defined as the extravasation of milky fluid rich in triglycerides into the peritoneal cavity.
Clinical case: 69-year-old patient with a history of having undergone surgery for a mesenteric cyst two months before presenting on this occasion with marked ascites observed by ultrasound and clinical examination. Diagnostic paracentesis was performed and showed abundant ascitic fluid (2500 ml) with a milky yellow appearance. A sample was taken for biochemical analysis of the fluid, which was positive, which together with the history of recent surgery confirmed the diagnosis of AQ.
Conclusions: the usual cause in the adult population is obstruction due to abdominal neoplasms. Other causes include: abdominal trauma or secondary to abdominal surgery (associated with extensive retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies or with aortic surgery). a complete anamnesis and physical examination are essential for the diagnosis of AQ. Therefore, in case of suspicion, emphasis should be placed on the causes, especially if its appearance is subsequent to interventional therapies. Optimal management would be aimed at conservative treatment based on nutritional therapy (of choice due to its high efficacy rate
