Chylothorax in a young child after a palliative cardiac surgery

Abstract

Chylothorax is an unusual complication in children. It is diagnosed by demonstrating high triglyceride content in the pleural fluid and a low cholesterol concentration in relation to the serum cholesterol. While undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, damage to the thoracic duct may take place which is one of the leading causes of chylothorax. Here, we present a case of chylothorax in a 10-year-old boy who was operated for cyanotic congenital heart disease. He was managed for resolution of chylothorax with various measures such as dietary management, intercostal drainage tube, drugs, and respiratory exercises. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Patient care and Procedural skills.