[Minocycline sclerotherapy for lymphorrhea following neck dissection]

Postoperative cervical lymphorrhea is a complication uncommonly encountered following neck dissection for which several treatment modalities have been described in the literature. We managed 8 cases of lymphorrhea after neck dissection by injecting Minocycline through a drainage tube. We attempted this procedure for lymph discharge that had continued despite pressure dressing and systemic management with nutritional modification for about 1 week. This treatment rapidly resolved lymph discharge in 6 of the 8 cases. No patient required surgical intervention. Minocycline sclerotherapy has typically been used to treat pleural effusion, ascites, pneumothorax, and other cystic diseases of the liver, pancreas, and kidney. In many cases, this therapy brings rapid resolution. This inefficiency is due to the acidity and toxicity of Minocycline. No major adverse effects have been reported. We believe that Minocycline sclerotherapy is effective for rapidly resolving lymphorrhea following neck dissection and use of this therapy should be attempted before surgical intervention.