ABSTRACT
Postoperative chylothorax remains a clinical challenge to the surgeon with substantial morbidity and risk of mortality. Though an uncommon complication, it is known to complicate cardiac and non-cardiac thoracic surgeries. Conservative measures are first employed in managing this. Surgical options are adopted when the effusion is protracted, most recent of which includes diaphragmatic fenestration. A 9-year-old girl is presented who developed recurrent right chylothorax following thoracoscopic excision of a cystic lymphangioma. Following failed conservative therapy, she had thoracic duct ligation and right diaphragmatic fenestration (using fenestrated polytetrafluoroethylene patch) with satisfactory outcome. Aetio-pathologic mechanisms implicated in postoperative chylothorax have been classified into traumatic (iatrogenic injury to the thoracic duct or its branches) and non-traumatic. With initial conservative measures (repeated pleural aspirations and intercostal drainage, medium chain triglyceride/ low fat feeds or alternatively, fasting and total parenteral nutrition) spontaneous closure remains unpredictable. Diaphragmatic fenestration when employed resulted in faster resolution of effusion and earlier commencement of enteral feeding with no significant complication. Diaphragmatic fenestration is effective and safe for treating refractory post-operative chylothorax.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of oral Theophylline for the management of post dural puncture headache (PDPH). Material and Method: Forty patients with PDPH, whose surgeries were done under spinal anaesthesia, were selected randomly and divided into two groups of 20 each. One group to receive conservative treatment and the other group Theophylline (400 mg) only orally. Intensity of headache was analysed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain. Assessment was done immediately before (0 h) and at 8, 16 and 24th hr of drug administration. Result: Significantly better relief of PDPH was found in Theophylline (9.3±5.7) than the conservative group (56.7 ±10.2) (p<0.001). Recurrence of headache was found in 2 patients (10 %) at16th hr and 2 (10%) at 24th hr in the Theophylline group compared to 12 (60%) and 14 (70%) patients respectively in the other group. Conclusion: The study concludes that Theophylline in the management of post dural puncture headache may be considered the best choice over the conventional approach.