Background: Chylous leakage is a well-recognized but rare complication of head and neck surgery, affecting approximately 1% to 2.5% of head and neck dissections. It is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by electrolyte imbalance, immunosuppression, delayed wound healing, risk of infection, and generalized sepsis. Management can be problematic and prolonged.
Methods: We present a case of refractory cervical chylous leakage after neck dissection treated with ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography.
Results: Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography alone resulted in rapid and complete resolution of chylous leakage with minimal morbidity.
Conclusion: Based on our clinical experience and after a thorough literature review, we propose that ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography with contrast agent could be considered a viable therapeutic option for persistent chylous leakages in selected patients.
Keywords: chylous leakage; intranodal lymphangiography; radical neck dissection; total parenteral nutrition; ultrasound-guided.
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.