Abstract
One of the complications after radical neck dissection is chylothorax which occurs from leakage of chyle. However, the leakage of chyle after right radical neck dissection is rare. We report a case of chylothorax occurring after right radical neck dissection. A 77-year-old man was given a diagnosis of secondary right cervical lymph-node metastasis from right-sided tongue cancer, and right radical neck dissection performed. On the first postoperative day, a leakage of chyle was diagnosed. We tried to stop the leakage by pressing above the clavicle but could not stop it. On the fourth postoperative day, the amount of chyle per day increased to 2,000ml/day and chest X-ray images showed right pleural effusion. In order to ligate the thoracic duct, reoperation was performed. During the operation, we recognized the stump of the thoracic duct above the clavicle. After the operation, the amount of chyle per day decreased. On the fifth day after reoperation, the amount of chyle per day fell below 100ml/day. When post-operative chylothorax is found, it is important to treat it without delay. But it is necessary to consider the timing of reoperation in consideration of the amount of chyle per day and electrolytes.
