Management of chyle leak post neck dissection: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Chyle leakage post head-and-neck resection is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Management may be problematic and prolonged. Recently, thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct has emerged as a promising technique to definitively treat this difficult problem. We present a recent case of a hemimandibulectomy, radical modified neck dissection and osseocutaneous fibular-free-flap complicated by a chyle leakage. The chyle leak was successfully treated with thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct. In the light of our clinical experience and following a thorough literature review, we have proposed that complicated or high-output chyle leaks (>1000 ml day(-1)) should be treated with early thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation.