Abstract
The management of chylothorax after operations for congenital heart diseases was reviewed retrospectively. Between 1986 and 1993, 5 cases were identified. During 1993, a total of 317 operations were performed for congenital heart disease and 3 patients developed chylothorax, with an incidence of 0.95%. Conservative treatment with dietary modification and chest tube drainage was successful in abolishing chylous leakage in 4 out of 5 cases. Re-exploration with oversewing the leaking lymphaticus was performed in 1 case after 2 weeks conservative treatment. The mean duration of treatment was 25.4 days (range 3–44 days). Hypoalbuminemia complicated 1 case and there was no mortality. There was no correlation between the initial drainage amount and the duration or severity of chylothorax. Venous hypertension (>10mmHg), present in 4 out of 5 cases, may be associated with the development of postoperative chylothorax and high-dose diuretic therapy may be beneficial in these patients.
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