RIGHT CHYLOTHORAX FOLLOWING LEFT RADICAL NECK DISSECTION

The development of a right chylothorax following left radical neck dissection for melanoma is reported. Chylothorax following neck dissection is extremely rare, with only 12 cases documented in the literature. Seven of these were bilateral and three were unilateral (all left-sided); unilateral right chylothorax after neck dissection has not been reported previously. Chylothorax is more common after intrathoracic surgery or trauma. Regardless of its cause, the condition is potentially serious and sometimes fatal. Our patient was successfully managed without further surgery. The aetiology and management of chylothorax following neck dissection are discussed.