Chyle leak following right axillary lymph node dissection: A case report and review of current literature

• Chyle leak is an uncommon complication of axillary node dissection.
• The majority of reported cases occur on the left side, however several instances of right sided chyle leaks are reported.
• The majority of chyle leaks respond to conservative management with: diet modification, pressure and drainage.
• Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance for drainage, laboratory evaluation and lymphscintigraphy.

This report discusses the case of a chyle leak following a right axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. This presented as a sudden change in drainage character from a right axillary surgical drain from serous to milky white shortly after restarting a diet. The diagnosis of chyle leak was confirmed by laboratory testing of the fluid and managed with closed suction drainage. Chyle leak is a rare, but increasingly recognized complication following axillary clearance for breast cancer and melanoma.