Patients With Systemic Right Ventricle Are at Higher Risk of Chylothorax After Cavopulmonary Connections

Abstract

Background: Chylothorax is a rare but severe complication after pediatric cardiac surgical procedures and is related to significant morbidity and mortality. It is suspected to be more frequent after single-ventricle staged palliation procedures, but focused studies on chylothorax in patients with univentricular heart physiology are scarce. Methods: From January 2008 to December 2016, a total of 289 patients underwent 376 cavopulmonary connection (CPC) procedures over 9 years (superior cavopulmonary connection [SCPC], 199; Fontan completion, 177). Patients were classified according to whether they had a chylothorax (group 1) or not (group 2). Chylothorax was confirmed on a pleural fluid test...