Lymphangiography and lymphatic embolisation for the treatment of chyle leaks after neck surgery: assessment of lymphangiography findings and embolisation techniques

Abstract

Objective: To assess lymphangiography findings and outcome of lymphatic embolisation to manage chyle leak after neck surgery. Methods: Consecutive cases of lymphangiography performed between April 2018 and May 2022 for management of chyle leaks related to neck surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphangiography findings, techniques, and outcomes were analysed. Results: Eight patients (mean age: 46.5 years) were included. Six patients had undergone radical neck dissection for thyroid cancer, and two had undergone lymph node excision. Clinical presentations were: chyle drainage through Jackson Pratt catheters in five patients, lymphorrhea through surgical wounds in two, and enlarging lymphocele in one. Lymphangiography techniques included: inguinal lymphangiography in four patients, retrograde lymphangiography in three, and transcervical lymphangiography in one. Lymphangiography revealed leaks in the terminal thoracic duct in two patients, bronchomediastinal trunk in two, jugular trunk in three, and superficial neck channels in one. Embolisation techniques included: non-selective embolisation of terminal thoracic duct (n = 2), selective embolisation of the jugular trunk (n = 3), selective embolisation of the bronchomediastinal trunk (n = 2), and intranodal glue embolisation of superficial neck channels (n = 1). One patient underwent a repeat procedure. Chyle leak resolved in all patients over a mean of 4.6 days. No complication was encountered. Conclusion: Lymphatic embolisation seems to be effective and safe in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. Lymphangiography allowed for the categorisation of chyle leaks according to their location. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct. Advances in knowledge: Lymphatic embolisation is safe and effective in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. On lymphangiography, the location of contrast media extravasation may not be consistent. The technique for embolisation should be based on the location of the leak. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct.