A Case Report on the Management of Intractable Chyle Leakage after Left Neck Level V Lymph Node Biopsy
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2020.00087
- Author:
Somi RYU
1
;
Byeong Min LEE
;
Seongjun WON
;
Jung Je PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2021;64(2):124-128
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Chyle leakage from the neck, which usually occurs after iatrogenic injury of the thoracic or lymphatic duct, is an uncommon complication of head and neck surgeries, which include neck dissection or thyroidectomy. A small amount of chyle leakage can be treated with conservative approaches, such as nutritional limitation, somatostatin analogues, and wound compression. However, massive or uncontrolled chyle leakage requires surgical exploration of the wound and thoracic duct ligation via the chest or transabdominal thoracic duct embolization can be applied. Here, we report a case of intractable massive chyle leakage in a 78-year-old male after a left neck level V lymph node biopsy, which was not controlled after conservative management and explorative surgery. Various treatment approaches were attempted and successful management of chyle leakage was ultimately achieved by thoracic duct embolization.
