Chyle leak: a rare complication post-hemithyroidectomy. case report and review of literature

Otolaryngol Pol. 2014 Jul-Aug;68(4):204-7. doi: 10.1016/j.otpol.2014.03.003. Epub 2014 Apr 5.

Abstract

Background: Thyroidectomy is one of the common neck surgeries. Well recognized complications include postoperative bleeding, hypocalcaemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Chyle leak post-thyroidectomy is extremely rare. Most of the reported cases have had a complete central compartment neck dissection.

Methods and results: This is a case report of a patient who suffered from chyle leak after a left hemithyroidectomy without a complete central compartment neck dissection. The patient was managed conservatively with low fat diet and observation. A protocol for approaching thyroid patients with chyle leak is proposed based on a comprehensive literature review.

Conclusion: Chyle leak post-thyroidectomy for a benign disease is a very rare complication. Nevertheless, head and neck surgeons should consider it in the differential diagnosis of neck swelling post-thyroidectomy.

Keywords: Benign; Chyle; Dissection; Neck; Thyroidectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chyle / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rare Diseases / therapy*
  • Thoracic Duct / injuries*
  • Thyroidectomy / adverse effects*