title: Neck swelling after thyroidectomy: not always a haematoma.
abstract: We present a case of a patient who returned with a neck swelling 6 days following thyroidectomy and central neck compartment lymphadenectomy for suspected thyroid carcinoma. The initial clinical suspicion pointed to a haematoma, but a needle aspiration showed chyle. Chyle leak is a rare complication of thyroid surgery. In the described case, this was successfully managed conservatively with repeated aspirations and a low-fat diet. We discuss the aetiology, presentation and management of this complication.
authors.affiliation: Epsom and St Helier University Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.affiliation: Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, UK.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, UK.
authors.forename: Duraisamy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ravichandran
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002913:Chyle / Q000378:metabolism*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome