Chylothorax and chyloperitoneum in the setting of neck lymph node dissection

Abstract

Chylothorax and chyloperitoneum after left lymph node dissection are rare complications.
We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with a history of total thyroidectomy with bilateral lymph node dissection for metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma. On postoperative day 2 the patient presented generalized abdominal pain. The complementary tests allowed for the diagnosis of chylothorax and chyloperitoneum. Medical treatment was started and percutaneous drainage of both cavities. The patient had favorable outcome and was discharged with the abdominal drain and indication of follow-up in the outpatient clinic.
Supervised medical treatment for thoracic duct injuries constitute the first treatment option. Surgery should not be delayed in case of poor outcome.