Somatostatin for intractable postoperative chylothorax in a premature infant

A premature infant of 31 weeks gestation underwent repair of an oesophageal atresia, distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula and anal stenosis. A lymphatic leak was noted at the time of surgery. Chylous drainage persisted and an intravenous infusion of somatostatin was begun. The volume of chyle drained fell dramatically within the first 24 h and was negligible by the 5th day of treatment. No reaccumulation of the chylothorax was seen after the cessation of somatostatin. To our knowledge this is the youngest reported child in whom somatostatin has been used successfully in treating a postoperative chylothorax.