ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of the treatment for chylous fistula after neck dissection with adhesive vacuum assisted washing and aspiration. MethodsFrom January 2004 to December 2010, 20 patients with chylous fistula after neck dissection treated with adhesive vacuum assisted washing and aspiration were reviewed. ResultsEighteen of 20 recovered in 10 to 12 days’ treatment without any complications. Drainage volume bagan to decrease noticeably in 5 days. Two patients needed reoperation and were discharged on day 15 and 17 respectively after operation. ConclusionThe treatment with adhesive vacuum assisted washing and aspiration is a safe and effective way for chylous fistula after neck dissection.
ObjectiveTo investigate the cause and treatment for chyle fistula after neck radical dissection using harmonic scalpel. MethodsFrom January 2005 to April 2009, 105 patients with thyroid carcinoma underwent thyroidectomy by harmonic scalpel (harmonic scalpel group) and 110 patients with thyroid carcinoma by conventional procedures (conventional group). Postoperative chyle fistula in all the cases was studied retrospectively. ResultsThe incidence of chyle fistula was 5.71% (6 of 105 patients) in the harmonic scalpel group and 0.91% (1 of 110 patients) in the conventional group. The difference was significant between two groups (Plt;0.05). ConclusionsHarmonic scalpel increases the risk of chyle fistula in neck radical dissection. The conventional procedures with exposing and preserving or ligating the thoracic duct can reduce the risk significantly.