Case report: Chylous fistula following right radical neck dissection

Two unusual cases of chylous fistulae following right radical neck dissection are presented. Treatment in the second case consisted of pressure dressing and replacing the regular blended tube feeding diet with one containing medium chain triglycerides to replace ordinary lipids (long chain triglycerides). Caloric intake was supplemented with parenteral protein and fat infusions. This resulted in prompt cessation of the leak. Other methods of controlling fistulae such as re-operation and oversewing the area or using muscle flaps, or direct packing of the wound often lead to other complications and frequently require considerable time to control the leak.