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Thoracic Duct Embolization in Post-neck Dissection Chylous Leakage: A Case Series of Six Patients and Review of the Literature

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Abstract

Chylous leak is a serious complication of neck dissection. Patients are often managed conservatively, and failure of conservative management necessitates surgical management, which adds to their morbidity. We present a case series demonstrating the value of thoracic duct embolization (TDE) in management of patients with chylous leaks following neck dissection who have failed conservative management and to review the literature on this specific application of TDE. Between 2011 and 2019, six patients underwent a total of seven TDE procedures. Lymphatic leak was identified, and clinical success was achieved in all patients, with one patient requiring repeat TDE. No minor or major complications were reported. In conclusion, TDE is a safe and effective tool in management of chylous leaks following neck dissection.

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This study was not supported by any funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interventional Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Suite H-188, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Amgad M. Moussa, Majid Maybody, Adrian J. Gonzalez-Aguirre & Ernesto Santos

  2. Department of Endocrine and General Surgery, Baptist-Bethesda Hospital, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA

    Jessica L. Buicko

  3. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA

    Ashok R. Shaha

Authors
  1. Amgad M. Moussa
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  2. Majid Maybody
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  3. Adrian J. Gonzalez-Aguirre
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  4. Jessica L. Buicko
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  5. Ashok R. Shaha
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  6. Ernesto Santos
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Correspondence to Amgad M. Moussa.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study, formal consent is not required. Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study.

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Moussa, A.M., Maybody, M., Gonzalez-Aguirre, A.J. et al. Thoracic Duct Embolization in Post-neck Dissection Chylous Leakage: A Case Series of Six Patients and Review of the Literature. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 43, 931–937 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02475-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02475-9

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