Introduction
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 to 3000 live births, with the late presenting CDH comprising 5 to 25 percent of the total cases [1, 2]. Late presenting form of CDH has a better outcome if identified and repaired compared to the neonatal CDH. This is due to its less frequent association with other congenital anomalies and mild pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension [3, 4]. Repair may be complicated by chylothorax, an uncommon issue whose exact etiology is unknown. Multiple studies have shown that chylothorax secondary to direct trauma to the lymphatic vessels can be treated medically with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet along with intercostal drainage of the effusion. Based on these findings, conservative management appears to be the first option for postoperative chylothorax [5, 10, 17].
Here, we report successful treatment of postoperative chylothorax following the repair of late presenting CDH with intercostal drainage, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluid supplementation, and albumin infusion, followed by low fat and high protein diet until resolution.