BACKGROUND: Chylous fistula is an uncommon complication of lower neck dissection. If untreated, it can lead to severe electrolyte disturbance, fluid, and protein loss and ultimately threaten skin flaps and vital structures. Conservative management aims to decrease chyle volume by replacing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) with medium-chain triglycerides in the diet or by total parenteral nutrition. METHODS: In 2001, Greenlane Head and Neck unit conducted a prospective 2-year study of all patients with chylous fistula. RESULTS: Eleven patients developed chylous fistula in the period between 2001 and 2003, out of 210 neck dissections. All cases were managed conservatively. The mean time to diagnosis was 1.5 days (1-4), time to closure was 8.1 days (4-26), and mean duration of treatment was 11.5 days (4-35). CONCLUSION: We would recommend conservative management of chylous fistulae with a low LCT diet using Monogen alone to be continued only for the duration of the fistula.
BACKGROUND:Chylous fistula is an uncommon complication of lower neck dissection. If untreated, it can lead to severe electrolyte disturbance, fluid, and protein loss and ultimately threaten skin flaps and vital structures. Conservative management aims to decrease chyle volume by replacing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) with medium-chain triglycerides in the diet or by total parenteral nutrition. METHODS: In 2001, Greenlane Head and Neck unit conducted a prospective 2-year study of all patients with chylous fistula. RESULTS: Eleven patients developed chylous fistula in the period between 2001 and 2003, out of 210 neck dissections. All cases were managed conservatively. The mean time to diagnosis was 1.5 days (1-4), time to closure was 8.1 days (4-26), and mean duration of treatment was 11.5 days (4-35). CONCLUSION: We would recommend conservative management of chylous fistulae with a low LCT diet using Monogen alone to be continued only for the duration of the fistula.