A rare complication in breast cancer surgery : Chylous fistula and its treatment

Sakman G., Parsak C. K., Demircan O.

ACTA CHIRURGICA BELGICA, vol.107, no.3, pp.317-319, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 107 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00015458.2007.11680064
  • Journal Name: ACTA CHIRURGICA BELGICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.317-319
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Chylous fistula is a complication related to thoracic duct injury, appearing in upper abdominal, thoracic and neck surgery. Occurrence of chylous fistula is very rare after modified radical mastectomy. We encountered a chylous fistula case after breast cancer surgery and successfully treated it conservatively. It is important that all surgeons dealing with breast surgery should be aware that, altough rarely, a chylous fistula can develop after axillary dissection. Experience related to the occurrence of this complication and its management when it occurs is quite restricted.