Neck swelling after thyroidectomy: not always a haematoma. (12th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zou, Maggie; Reid, Diane; Ravichandran, Duraisamy
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-11-12
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-211758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We present a case of a patient who returned with a neck swelling 6 days following thyroidectomy and central neck compartment lymphadenectomy for suspected thyroid carcinoma. The initial clinical suspicion pointed to a haematoma, but a needle aspiration showed chyle. Chyle leak is a rare complication of thyroid surgery. In the described case, this was successfully managed conservatively with repeated aspirations and a low-fat diet. We discuss the aetiology, presentation and management of this complication.