Chlyothorax

I found a quick/short description that sounds really close to what Dr. Rouse explained to us. I googled "chylothorax, neonatology" and found several sites, but this one provided a nice quick summary. In the two types described below, obviously our case is the traumatic one.

H. L. M. van Straaten1 , L. J. Gerards1 and T. G. Krediet1
(1)
Department of Neonatology, University Childrens Hospital, Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, NL-Utrecht, The Netherlands
(2)
Department of Neonatology, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 9, NL-1105 AZ Amsterdam zuidoost, The Netherlands
Received: 30 April 1991 Accepted: 2 June 1991

Abstract Chylothorax is defined as an effusion of lymph in the pleural cavity. In the nconate both congenital and traumatic (iatrogenic) forms exist. Birth asphyxia and respiratory insufficiency are major symptoms of congenital chylothorax, requiring resuscitation and artificial ventilation. Antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound allows carly therapeutic intervention such as ventilatory support and drainage of chylous fluid immediately after birth. Traumatic chylothorax is mainly seen after intrathoracic surgery. Treatment primarily consists of continuous or intermittent drainage of chyle with replacement of fluid-, electrolyte-, and protein losses and parenteral nutrition. Introduction of oral feeding is considered only after a substantial period without chyle production in the pleural cavity and consists of a medium-chain triglyceride containing formula. In a minority of cases surgical intervention is necessary.
Key words Chylothorax - Newborn