We report a case of chylous ascites following a hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). In this case a 70-year-old male was re-admitted three weeks after undergoing a left HALDN with anorexia and abdominal distension. Abdominal CT confirmed ascites. Paracentesis yielded five litres of chylous fluid. He was treated conservatively with a high protein, low fat diet and made a full recovery. The management of this complication remains controversial with some advocating early surgical intervention and others preferring conservative management techniques. Consideration must be given to early surgical intervention in cases not responding immediately to conservative measures.