Chylothorax After Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair: Efficacy of Somatostatin
Articles > Article · 2010
Authors: Emrah OĞUZ, Anil Z. Apaydin, Fatih Ayik, Ozlem Balcioglu, Ahmet Dolapoglu
Annals of Vascular Surgery, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, WoS, 2010, vol 25, pp 267.e11-267.e13
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2010.07.026
Summary
Chylothorax is a rare but serious complication that presents after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. There are insufficient data to reach a consensus on how to manage it. Some researchers have suggested early reoperation for high output drainage. We present the case of a patient who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic replacement and who subsequently developed postoperative chylothorax. High output (> 1,000 mL per day) chest tube drainage until postoperative day 4 drastically decreased and stopped in a week with the administration of somatostatin and total parenteral nutrition which helped avoid a major re-exploration. Surgery should be reserved as an option only for patients with persistent leaks that do not respond to somatostatin therapy.