[A case of chylomediastinum following open heart surgery via median sternotomy].

The case was a 17-year-old woman on whom open heart surgery was performed for ASD. Anterior mediastinal drainage alone revealed chyloid liquid, leading to diagnosis as chylomediastium. Ramification of thoracic duct and direct injuries of thymus and lymphoduct were presumed to be responsible for the occurrence of this complication. Operative treatment was positively performed because of its unimprovement by conservative treatment. Re-operation led to its healing in a comparatively short period of time. Idea of disease, cause of occurrence, and plan of treatment of this complication were examined for reporting below.