Administration of Octreotide for Management of Postoperative High-Flow Chylothorax

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare complication of adult cardiothoracic surgery that can affect the postoperative course as it can lead to respiratory insufficiency, protein loss, fluid imbalance, and immunodeficiency. We report the case of a 51-year-old man who developed a persistent high-flow chylothorax after replacement of the descending thoracic aorta for an aneurysm. After a week of complete oral intake cessation and total parenteral nutrition, we started administration of octreotide, a somatostatin analog. It led to rapid cessation of chyle production, and the patient was discharged without further complications and chylothorax relapses.