Thoracic duct embolization: a new treatment for massive leak after neck dissection.
Chylothorax results from injury to the thoracic duct or one of its branches. It is an uncommon but possibly serious complication of thoracic or head and neck surgery. We report a case of thoracic duct transection complicating a total laryngectomy with bilateral selective neck dissection for subglottic squamous cell carcinoma. High-output Jackson Pratt drainage was noted, resulting in patient hypovolemia that was unresponsive to volume resuscitation. Treatment consisted of percutaneous embolization of the thoracic duct proximal to the transection that subsequently normalized chylous output.
Patel
Neel
N
Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Lewandowski
Robert J
RJ
Bove
Michiel
M
Nemcek
Albert A
AA
Salem
Riad
R
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000628:therapy*; D004322:Drainage; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020896:Hypovolemia / Q000209:etiology; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008220:Lymphography; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000293:injuries*