title: Chylous fistula: an unusual occurrence after mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction.
abstract: Postoperative lymphatic complications of mastectomy and immediate reconstruction are well documented, consisting predominantly of lymphorrhea, lymphocele, and chronic lymphoedema. Chylous fistula is a hitherto undescribed entity complicating breast surgery. It was managed successfully by cessation of oral intake and the use of intravenous fluids, as is recommended in the treatment of chylous fistulas occurring elsewhere in the body. Although these are exceedingly rare, all plastic surgeons doing breast reconstruction should be aware of chylous fistulas and their treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Emory
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: McIlrath
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Meland
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D002913:Chyle; D002914:Chylomicrons / Q000378:metabolism; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002914:Chylomicrons