Prevention and treatment of lymphatic fistula after cervical lymph node dissection in thyroid carcinoma:9 cases report / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze prevention and management of lymphatic fistula after cervical lymph node dissection in thyroid carcinoma.Methods Clinical data of 9 cases of lymphatic fistula following neck dissection were analyzed retrospectively from Jan.2004 to Apr.2009.Results Of the 9 cases,4 cases had chylous fistula(3 were on the leftside and 1 was on the rightside),1 case had chylotborax,1 case had pleural effusion lymph,and 3 cases showed light yellow lymph.AII patients were cured finally by conservative methods.Conclusions Most lymphatic fistula can be cured by non-surgical treatment.Surgeons need to be familiar with the anatomic structure of neck lymphatic vessels.