Successful management of postoperative chylothorax with fibrin glue in a premature neonate

Chylothorax is a potentially serious condition that may complicate a variety of thoracic operations, particularly cardiothoracic procedures for congenital heart disease. Conservative therapy with chest tube drainage of the chyle fluid and dietary manipulations is frequently effective. When conservative treatment fails, surgery may be necessary. In this report, the authors discuss their recent experience with fibrin glue in the management of a 600-g premature neonate who had a postoperative chylothorax. Recent trends in the management of this difficult problem are also discussed.