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. 2016:20:68-73.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.12.044. Epub 2016 Jan 7.

Chyle leak following right axillary lymph node dissection: A case report and review of current literature

J D Daggett  1 , A W Watt  2 , P D Smith  3
Affiliations

Chyle leak following right axillary lymph node dissection: A case report and review of current literature

J D Daggett et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016.

Abstract

This report discusses the case of a chyle leak following a right axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. This presented as a sudden change in drainage character from a right axillary surgical drain from serous to milky white shortly after restarting a diet. The diagnosis of chyle leak was confirmed by laboratory testing of the fluid and managed with closed suction drainage. Chyle leak is a rare, but increasingly recognized complication following axillary clearance for breast cancer and melanoma.

Keywords: Axillary lymphadenectomy; Axillary node dissection; Chyle leak; Mastectomy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Demonstration of number of patients and the post-operative day on which chyle leak detect was detected.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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