Bilateral Chylothorax Following Modified Radical Neck Dissection in Thyroid Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

Bilateral chylothoraxis an extremely rare complication of modified radical neck dissection. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to severe respiratory, nutritional, metabolic, and immunologic disorders. Use of a multi-disciplinary approach including drainage of chyle, reduction of chyle formation, adequate nutritional support, use of somatostatin or its analogue, surgical ligation of the thoracic duct, and thoracic duct embolization is the best method for treatment of bilateral chylothorax. We report on a case of bilateral chylothorax following total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection and discuss its management.