Postoperative chylous fistula prevention and management.
Postoperative chylous fistulas occur as a complication in 1-2% of all radical neck dissections. Twelve cases are reviewed herein. Chylous fistulas are more common with left neck dissections, but 25% occurred on the right side in this series. An intraoperative chylous fistula was recognized and treated in 75% of the cases which later developed a postoperative fistula. Postoperative fistulas may be divided into two groups: minor fistulas may be treated with pressure dressings and repeated aspirations; fistulas which do not respond to conservative management should be re-explored early and the fistula ligated.
D000368:Aged; D002913:Chyle; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*