Chyle fistula in advanced and metastatic thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chyle fistula (CF) is a rare but challenging condition for the surgeon and the patient's health. METHODS: A retrospective review of single surgeon's case load in a 12-year period is presented, reviewing the case of those patients presenting with a CF. RESULTS: Three patients were found during this study period from more than 1,050 surgeries performed due to thyroid cancer. Patients underwent extensive lymph node dissection for advanced, metastatic and infiltrative disease. In all patients, a long hospital stay and surgical re-interventions were required. CONCLUSIONS: A description of the management of CF is presented along with a review of current Literature.