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Chyle leak: An unusual complication after total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection
Author(s) -
Lok HonTing,
Liu Shirley YukWah,
Wong Simon KinHung,
Ng Enders KwokWai
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
surgical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.109
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1744-1633
pISSN - 1744-1625
DOI - 10.1111/1744-1633.12172
Subject(s) - chyle , medicine , neck dissection , complication , leak , surgery , total thyroidectomy , dissection (medical) , thyroidectomy , thyroid cancer , thyroid , cancer , environmental engineering , engineering
Chyle leak is an established but unusual complication after total thyroidectomy plus central compartment neck dissection. It can potentially lead to severe electrolyte disturbances, protein depletion, malnutrition and impaired immunity. Its management varies with the severity of presentation. The majority of leaks are low output type and can be successfully managed with conservative measures. Here we present a case of low output chyle leak after total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection in a 62‐year‐old lady with papillary thyroid cancer whose leakage was resolved with prolonged pressure dressing and medium‐chain triglyceride diet.