Treatment of persistent chylothorax after Norwood procedure with somatostatin.

A newborn who had undergone Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome developed a voluminous chylothorax that persisted despite weeks of prolonged complete bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition, and effective chest tube drainage. Chest tube output diminished immediately following initiation of intravenous somatostatin, allowing restoration of full enteral feeds and removal of chest tubes within 6 days.