1989 Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 165-169
Three cases of the pleural effusion complicating radical neck dissection were reported and discussed.
Radical neck dissection was performed on the left side neck and thoracic duct was injured intraoperatively in every 3 cases.
In 2 cases, extra cellular Sudan III positive granules were found in pleural effusion. In 1 case, lymphangioscintigraphy showed accumulation of radio activity in the thoracic cavity.
Therefore, pleural effusion seemed to be the accumulation of chyle or thoracic duct lymph.
All 3 cases were healed by the conservative treatment without further complication.
