Treatment of a postoperative cervical chylous lymphocele by percutaneous sclerosing with povidone-iodine

J Vasc Surg. 1998 Jun;27(6):1148-51. doi: 10.1016/s0741-5214(98)70017-5.

Abstract

The development of postoperative leaks of the thoracic duct after neck dissection or vascular surgery of the subclavian and vertebral artery is a well-known but rare complication. Usually, an injury of the duct manifests immediately after the operation with chylous drainage. Presentation as a postoperative lymphocele is rare. Operative treatment may be an option, but identification of the leak often is impossible, resulting in a high rate of failure. Percutaneous catheter drainage in combination with sclerosis with povidone-iodine has proved to be highly effective in obliterating pelvic lymphoceles but has not been reported in patients who have undergone vascular surgery in the neck. We present a case in which a povidone-iodine solution was used successfully in percutaneous sclerosis of a cervical lymphocele after transposition of the left subclavian artery to the left common carotid artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chyle
  • Humans
  • Lymphocele / therapy*
  • Male
  • Neck
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Povidone-Iodine / administration & dosage*
  • Sclerosing Solutions / administration & dosage*
  • Sclerotherapy / methods*

Substances

  • Sclerosing Solutions
  • Povidone-Iodine