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Left-sided neck dissection and chylothorax: a rare complication and its management

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2012

V Prabhu  and
C Passant
V Prabhu*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales, UK
C Passant
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Vinod Prabhu, Speciality Trainee, Department of ENT, ‘E’ Block, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport NP20 2UB, Wales, UK Fax: +44 (0)1633 257 191 E-mail: hvinodprabhu@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

We present a case of bilateral chylothorax, a rare but life-threatening complication, which developed following a left-sided neck dissection.

Method:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

Chylous leakage fistula is a known complication following neck dissection and occurs in 1 to 2 per cent of patients. After left-sided neck dissection, chylothorax is uncommon and bilateral chylothorax is even rarer. Chylothorax is encountered following certain thoracic procedures, especially superior mediastinal dissection for thyroid cancer treatment. We discuss in detail the successful management of a complicated case.

Conclusion:

We discuss various management options for this condition, and we summarise its successful management within our department.

Keywords

Neck DissectionChylothoraxChylePost Operative Complication
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 6 , June 2012 , pp. 648 - 650
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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