Treatment of a persistent postoperative chylothorax with somatostatin

Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Jul;66(1):253-4. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(98)00361-0.

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare but potentially serious complication of pediatric cardiac operations. We report the case of a 4-month-old boy who underwent a Senning procedure for correction of D-transposition of the great vessels. A persistent postoperative chylothorax developed, necessitating continuous drainage, despite conservative treatment over 3 weeks. Thereafter, continuous somatostatin infusion for 14 days led to the reduction and finally cessation of chyle production. This treatment allowed early enteral feeding and avoided further surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chyle / metabolism
  • Chylothorax / drug therapy*
  • Drainage
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Hormone Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Hormone Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Retreatment
  • Somatostatin / administration & dosage
  • Somatostatin / therapeutic use*
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / surgery

Substances

  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Somatostatin