OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence, risk factors and preventative methods associated with chyle leak following complete mesocolic excision(CME) for colon cancer.

METHODSClinical data of 592 patients with colon cancer undergoing CME in the department of Colorectal Surgery in the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from September 2000 to September 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSChyle leak occurred in 46 patients(7.7%). The incidence of postoperative chyle leak following right CME hemicolectomy was 13.3%(30/226), significantly higher than that after left CME hemicolectomy (4.4%). On univariate analysis, chyle leak following CME was associated with tumor size(P<0.05), tumor location(P<0.01), and lymph nodes harvested(P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that tumor location and lymph nodes harvested were independent risk factors associated with chyle leak following CME(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTumor location and lymph nodes harvested are independent risk factors for chyle leak following complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer. When the drainage output suddenly increases after oral intake resumption, the chyle test of ascitic fluid should be performed for early diagnosis and prompt management.