Chylothorax following coronary bypass grafting: treatment by talc pleurodesis

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2003 Dec;11(4):355-6. doi: 10.1177/021849230301100420.

Abstract

Chylothorax after myocardial revascularization is a rare but serious complication. There is as yet no definitive treatment. We report a case in which chylothorax was diagnosed on the 3rd postoperative day. Conservative management with dietary restriction to medium-chain triglyceride led to reduction of chyle leakage from 300 to 400 mL/day to 50 to 60 mL/day 3 days later. However, the leak persisted until talc pleurodesis was performed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chylothorax / etiology
  • Chylothorax / therapy*
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects*
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted / methods
  • Humans
  • Irritants / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleurodesis / methods*
  • Talc / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Irritants
  • Talc