Obstruction of superior vena cava after the Mustard procedure for transposition of the great arteries. Conservative management of chylothorax.

Chylothorax may be produced by superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction, a recognized complication of the Mustard operation for trasposition of the great arteries. The chylothorax may be reduced by keeping the subject in the upright position. Conservative management is an alternative to repeat operation. This syndrome must be recognized, as it can be confused with congestive heart failure. Severe chylothorax may develop insidiously because of progressive SVC obstruction after the immediate postoperative period.