Int J Thyroidol.  2023 Nov;16(2):147-151. 10.11106/ijt.2023.16.2.147.

Management of Chyle Leakage after Thyroid Cancer Surgery

• Kim SY
• Kim HK

• KMID: 2548741
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2023.16.2.147

Abstract

Chyle leakage is a rare but challenging complication that can occur after surgery for thyroid cancer involving lymph node dissection in the neck. The authors discuss preventive measures and surgical techniques to minimize the risk of chyle leakage. Postoperative chyle leakage diagnosis and conservative management strategies, such as fasting, nutrition support, and pharmacological treatment, are detailed for low output chyle leakage. For highoutput or refractory cases, surgical treatments, including local myofascial local flap, direct thoracic duct ligation, thoracic duct ligation via video-assisted thoracoscopy and radiologic interventions like thoracic duct embolization, are considered. Managing postoperative chyle leakage is crucial, and it should be tailored to the individual patient's condition and the volume of chyle leakage. Understanding the anatomy and having a comprehensive management strategy are essential for effectively addressing chyle leakage after thyroid cancer surgery.

Keyword

Chyle; Thyroid cancer; Postoperative complications

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Thoracic duct in the left lateral neck and lymphatic duct in the right lateral neck.

Reference

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