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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Minimal Invasive Resection of Large Retrosternal Thyroid Goiter
Published on: September 20, 2024
Neck swelling after thyroidectomy: not always a haematoma
Maggie Zou1, Diane Reid2, Duraisamy Ravichandran2
1Epsom and St Helier University Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract:
We present a case of a patient who returned with a neck swelling 6 days following thyroidectomy and central neck compartment lymphadenectomy for suspected thyroid carcinoma. The initial clinical suspicion pointed to a haematoma, but a needle aspiration showed chyle. Chyle leak is a rare complication of thyroid surgery. In the described case, this was successfully managed conservatively with repeated aspirations and a low-fat diet. We discuss the aetiology, presentation and management of this complication.
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