Conservative Management of an Intraoperative Chyle Leak: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Chyle leaks are a rare but potentially fatal complication of head and neck surgery carrying an incidence as high as 8.3%. The development of a chyle leak carries significant morbidity ranging from delayed wound healing to oropharyngeal fistulas. Presented here is a case of a chyle leak that developed following a left posterolateral neck dissection that was successfully managed with a combination of drain suction, pressure dressing, and a fat-restricted diet. However, the patient's course was complicated by repeated chyle leak recurrences that may have been associated with the initiation of medium-chain triglyceride supplementation. Although further research is required to establish a causal relationship, these findings support the concerns of other investigators about the possible counterproductive role of medium-chain triglyceride supplementation in the management of chyle leaks.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Charles D
CD
Meyer
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Ian K
IK
McLeod
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Daniel J
DJ
Gallagher
D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000628:therapy*; D002913:Chyle; D000072700:Conservative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D004210:Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000002:abnormalities; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects