Surgical ligation of cisterna chyli: an alternative treatment for chronic chylothorax in children

Postoperative chylothorax represents one of the early and most serious complications after cardiothoracic operations. When conservative measures are not effective, an operation is mandatory. We describe a case of persistent chylothorax after a "one-and-a-half ventricle" repair in an infant with complex congenital heart disease, which was successfully treated with a transabdominal ligation of the cisterna chyli. At the 1-year follow-up, she is in excellent clinical condition, without recurrence of pleural effusion or the requirement for nutritional support. Ligation of cisterna chyli may represent a safe and effective ultimate treatment in children with persistent chylothorax.