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What is the highest risk of chylothorax with which central venous access site or peripheral nerve block?

1) Central venous access site
2) Peripheral nerve block

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The highest risk of chylothorax is associated with a central venous access site, as it involves procedures close to the thoracic duct or chyle ducts, which can inadvertently be injured during catheter insertion. A peripheral nerve block presents a lower risk for chylothorax.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk of chylothorax is typically associated with procedures that involve manipulation or injury close to the thoracic duct or the chyle ducts. In medical practice, a central venous access site such as the one described in the clinical case of Barbara, who has a port attached to a central venous catheter, carries a higher risk of inducing a chylothorax. This is because the central veins, particularly the subclavian vein or the internal jugular vein, are in proximity to the thoracic duct, and inadvertent injury can occur during catheter insertion. On the other hand, a peripheral nerve block is typically less likely to cause this complication, as it involves anesthetizing nerves further away from the central thoracic structures.

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