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Improving the management of cervical chyle leak following neck dissection: A case series of management algorithm; 10 years clinical experience with Video Assisted Thoracoscopy and Thoracic Duct Ligation
  • +4
  • Ali Al-lami,
  • Eamon Shamil,
  • Iain Nixon,
  • Jean-Pierre Jeannon,
  • Andrea Bille,
  • Karen Harrison-Phipps,
  • Ricard Simo
Ali Al-lami
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Eamon Shamil
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
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Iain Nixon
NHS Lothian
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Jean-Pierre Jeannon
Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
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Andrea Bille
Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
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Karen Harrison-Phipps
Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
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Ricard Simo
Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
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Abstract

Key points instead of abstract as per author guidelines: • Chyle leaks (CLs) following neck dissection for metastatic head and neck malignancy are infrequent but represent a serious complication, with an incidence of 1-2.5%. • CL is associated with significant morbidity including metabolic imbalance, immunosuppression, dehydration, poor wound healing and prolonged length of hospital stay. • A protocolised approach to the management of CL post neck dissections is highlighted for expedient patient management. • Thoracic duct (TD) ligation using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an effective method of treating moderate (500-1000ml/24 hours) to high-volume CL (>1000ml/24 hours) not responding to medical therapy. • VATS TD ligation is a safe procedure to treat CL. It has a low morbidity compared to other surgical techniques (neck re-exploration or open thoracotomy).
13 Feb 2022Submitted to Clinical Otolaryngology
19 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
19 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
27 Apr 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major