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Chylothorax--a rare complication after cardiac surgery (a case report)

Jirí Mand'ák1, Petr Habal, Milan Stĕtina

  • 1Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. jiri.mandak@centrum.cz

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove)
|May 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chylothorax, a rare cardiac surgery complication, can be effectively treated. This case study shows pleural drainage and parenteral nutrition successfully managed a patient with post-operative chylothorax.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Thoracic Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Chylothorax is an uncommon yet serious complication following cardiac surgery.
  • Risk factors and typical presentations require further elucidation.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old female with ischemic heart disease developed left-sided chylothorax on postoperative day nine.
  • The patient had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting utilizing a left internal mammary artery pedicle graft.

Findings:

  • Biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of chyle in the pleural effusion.
  • The patient's condition was successfully managed with a combination of pleural drainage and total parenteral nutrition.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a viable treatment strategy for post-cardiac surgery chylothorax.
  • Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in managing chylothorax.

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