Conservative management of chyle leak following thyroid surgery

Abstract

Lymphatic injury leading to chyle leak is a potential complication that may arise following thyroid surgery especially when there is a high nodal burden. Although the incidence of chyle leak post surgery is low (1 to 4%), this complication can present significant challenges to both the surgeon and patient. Multiple approaches to the treatment of chyle leak have emerged, including nutrition, surgical, and pharmacological therapies. Although there are strong feelings among clinicians about the use of bowel rest, parenteral nutrition, or a low-fat enteral formula for the treatment of chyle leak, definitive evidence supporting any nonsurgical methods vs surgical approach is lacking. The lack of a clear consensus on the optimal management of chyle leaks makes this problem more challenging for the treating surgeon.