Chylothorax--a rare complication after cardiac surgery (a case report).

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare but severe complication of cardiac surgery. The authors present the case of a 76-year-old woman suffering from ischemic heart disease, after coronary artery bypass grafting that included a left internal mammary artery pedicle graft. On the ninth postoperative day the left-sided fluidothorax developed. The results of biochemical analysis were consistent with the chyle. Combined treatment with pleural drainage and total parenteral nutrition was effective.