Postoperative chyle leakage in the thyroid surgery: causes and managements        SUN Tuan-qi, WU Yi. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC), Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Fudan University Thyroid Cancer Center，Shanghai 200032, China
Corresponding author: WU Yi, E-mail: ywu@rddb.shanghai.gov.cn
Abstract    Chyle leakage after neck dissection is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication, which might lead to nutritional, metabolic and immunologic deficiencies. Medical management for chyle leakage consists of maintaining closed vacuum suction drainage, pressure dressing, dietary modifications and repeat surgery to stop the lymphatic leak. The best treatment for chyle leakage is prevention. Meticulous surgical technique in the areas of the thoracic duct on the left and the lymphatic ducts on the right will usually prevent the occurrence of the problem. The early exploration would be advised for the good curative effect.