Chyle leak following an axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer in a patient with superior vena caval thrombosis - a case report and review of the literature

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2018 Jul;100(6):e147-e149. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2018.0074. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Abstract

Chyle leak is a very rare complication following an axillary lymph node dissection. We report a case of chyle leak following sentinel lymph node biopsy in a patient with breast cancer with superior vena caval thrombosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of chyle leakage following axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy. We describe the aetiology, prevention and treatment strategy that can be adopted in these patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Chyle; Sentinel lymph node biopsy; Superior vena cava thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axilla
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / complications
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / surgery*
  • Chyle*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*