Novel management of intractable chylous fistula with the application of an impression paste

Chylous fistula is a kind of complication during neck dissection that rarely happens, but might lead to some serious clinical outcome. The standard treatments include local compressive bandaging, negative pressure drainage, ligation of the fistula orifice, alimentary control, and, occasionally, the use of somatostatin. Among them, the simplest is compressive bandaging, but the bandage can easily become loosened and cannot achieve the necessary pressure effect. In this paper, the novel application of an impression paste, which is normally used in prosthodontic treatments, will be introduced. It might be a very practical method for the treatment of these surgical complications in hospitals where advanced treatment modalities are not available.