Bilateral chylothorax after left neck lymphadenectomy for thyroid cancer: A case report

Introduction: Chylothorax is caused by lymphatic chyle fluid leaking back through the thoracic duct and accumulating in the pleural cavity. It is related to a thoracic duct injury or occlusion. It is rare to have bilateral chylothorax after cervical lymph node dissection for thyroid cancer diagnosis. Case report: A 28-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with bilateral hypoechoic thyroid nodules and cervical lymph node abnormalities. She underwent thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy but developed chylothorax 3 days after surgery. She was treated with bilateral thoracic drainage, electrolyte supplementation, and somatostatin, and was discharged 17 days post-treatment. Conclusion: Bilateral chylothorax is a rare complication of thyroid cancer surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment, especially the detection of dyspnea, are key. Also, unobstructed bilateral thoracic drainage, improved surgical skills, and reduced thoracic duct injuries can help reduce complications.