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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Modified Single-Loop Reconstruction for Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Published on: September 28, 2019
Administration of octreotide for management of postoperative high-flow chylothorax
Fabio Barili1, Gianluca Polvani, Veli K Topkara
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. fabarli@libero.it
Abstract:
Chylothorax is a rare complication of adult cardiothoracic surgery that can affect the postoperative course as it can lead to respiratory insufficiency, protein loss, fluid imbalance, and immunodeficiency. We report the case of a 51-year-old man who developed a persistent high-flow chylothorax after replacement of the descending thoracic aorta for an aneurysm. After a week of complete oral intake cessation and total parenteral nutrition, we started administration of octreotide, a somatostatin analog. It led to rapid cessation of chyle production, and the patient was discharged without further complications and chylothorax relapses.
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