Bilateral chylothoraces without chyle leakage after left-sided neck dissection for thyroid cancer: report of two cases

Surg Today. 2007;37(8):652-5. doi: 10.1007/s00595-006-3449-5. Epub 2007 Jul 26.

Abstract

Bilateral chylothorax is a rare complication of neck dissection, but it is potentially serious and sometimes life threatening. Because of the rarity of chylothorax, surgeons are unfamiliar with its early signs, which allow a prompt diagnosis and effective management. Most cases reported in the literature were associated with a concurrent external chyle leakage, which occurred either during or after surgery. We report two cases of bilateral chylothoraces without concurrent external chyle leakage, which occurred after left-sided neck dissections for thyroid cancer. We treated both patients successfully with conservative management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chyle*
  • Chylothorax / diagnosis*
  • Chylothorax / etiology
  • Chylothorax / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery*