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Thoracic Duct Embolization: A New Treatment for Massive Leak After Neck Dissection
Author(s) -
Patel Neel,
Lewandowski Robert J.,
Bove Michiel,
Nemcek Albert A.,
Salem Riad
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e31816067b8
Subject(s) - medicine , thoracic duct , chylothorax , surgery , neck dissection , embolization , percutaneous , chyle , complication , lymphocele , pneumothorax , intubation , radiology , carcinoma , lymphatic system , immunology
Chylothorax results from injury to the thoracic duct or one of its branches. It is an uncommon but possibly serious complication of thoracic or head and neck surgery. We report a case of thoracic duct transection complicating a total laryngectomy with bilateral selective neck dissection for subglottic squamous cell carcinoma. High‐output Jackson Pratt drainage was noted, resulting in patient hypovolemia that was unresponsive to volume resuscitation. Treatment consisted of percutaneous embolization of the thoracic duct proximal to the transection that subsequently normalized chylous output.