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Impact of chylothorax on the early post operative outcome after pediatric cardiovascular surgery

Sameh R Ismail1, Mohamed S Kabbani1, Hani K Najm1

  • 1King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Department of Cardiac Sciences, National Guard Hospital Health Affairs, Riyadh.

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
|April 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Chylothorax, a complication of pediatric cardiac surgery, is not rare and impacts recovery. It occurs more frequently after single ventricle and aortic arch repairs, increasing morbidity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Chylothorax involves chyle accumulation in the pleural cavity, often due to thoracic duct disruption.
  • It is a serious complication following cardiovascular surgeries, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.
  • This study investigates risk factors and postoperative impacts of chylothorax in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with chylothorax after pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • To evaluate the impact of chylothorax on the early postoperative course.
  • To determine the incidence and common surgical procedures linked to chylothorax.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study design.
  • Inclusion of all pediatric cardiac surgery cases complicated by chylothorax.
  • Data collected from January 2007 to December 2009 at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center.

Main Results:

  • Chylothorax occurred in 5% (57/1135) of pediatric cardiac surgery cases.
  • Most common associated surgeries included single ventricle repair (27%), arch repairs (18%), and VSD repair (18%).
  • The chylothorax group experienced longer ICU stays, hospitalizations, ventilation times, and higher incidences of sepsis and inotrope use.

Conclusions:

  • Chylothorax is a significant complication following pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Single ventricle repair and aortic arch repair are associated with higher rates of chylothorax.
  • Chylothorax adversely affects the early postoperative course and increases patient morbidity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiac surgeryChylothoraxPediatricPost operative

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