Left-sided neck dissection and chylothorax: a rare complication and its management.
OBJECTIVE
We present a case of bilateral chylothorax, a rare but life-threatening complication, which developed following a left-sided neck dissection.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


RESULTS
Chylous leakage fistula is a known complication following neck dissection and occurs in 1 to 2 per cent of patients. After left-sided neck dissection, chylothorax is uncommon and bilateral chylothorax is even rarer. Chylothorax is encountered following certain thoracic procedures, especially superior mediastinal dissection for thyroid cancer treatment. We discuss in detail the successful management of a complicated case.


CONCLUSIONS
We discuss various management options for this condition, and we summarise its successful management within our department.
Department of ENT, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales, UK. hvinodprabhu@hotmail.com
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D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002913:Chyle; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D015282:Octreotide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D015282:Octreotide