Lesion of the cervical lymphatic drainage in repeated operations on the thyroid gland for cancer

Overview

Rare complications in repeated surgical intervention on the thyroid gland for carcinoma are injuries to the ductus thoracicus and its trunks, causing cervical chyloma or hylothorax. The authors describe four case reports of patients suffering cervical chyloma upon repeated surgery of thyroid carcinoma, and analyze the managing of the treatment. They recommend to keep in mind this rare complication when there occurs any accumulation of liquid in the operation site and to adequately intervene therapeutically.

Key words:
repeated operation – carcinoma – thyroid gland – ductus thoracicus – truncus lymphaticus – lesion.