Congenital chylothorax managed by partial pleurodesis: report of one case

Congenital chylothorax, a rare cause of respiratory distress in neonate, presented here with respiratory distress from two days of age. Thoracocentesis was performed at six days, revealing a clear fluid with high protein content. Thoracotomy was performed at the age of 33 days because of a profuse amount of chest tube drainage. A leak of chyle was found near the esophageal hiatus of the costophrenic angle. Partial pleurodesis was performed because of difficulty in identifying the exact leakage point. Respiratory status improved very quickly after the operation, and oral intake was well-tolerated during follow-up.