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Pleuroperitoneal shunt for persistent pleural drainage after Fontan procedure
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Persistent chylous effusions after Fontan procedures can extend hospital stays. A pleuroperitoneal shunt effectively controlled effusions in two patients, significantly shortening their hospitalization.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- The Fontan procedure is a palliative surgery for complex congenital heart defects.
- Persistent chylous effusions are a known complication following Fontan procedures, leading to prolonged hospitalizations.
Observation:
- Two patients who underwent the Fontan procedure developed persistent chylous effusions.
- These effusions significantly impacted their recovery and length of hospital stay.
Findings:
- The application of a pleuroperitoneal shunt was utilized to manage the chylous effusions in both cases.
- This intervention successfully controlled the fluid accumulation.
Implications:
- Pleuroperitoneal shunts offer a viable therapeutic option for managing persistent chylous effusions post-Fontan procedure.
- Implementing this strategy can lead to reduced hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.