Percutaneous Transcervical Thoracic Duct Embolization for Treatment of a Cervical Lymphocele Following Anterior Spinal Fusion: A Case Report

Thoracic duct injury is an uncommon complication of neck dissection and cervical spinal surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. The authors describe an unusual case of thoracic duct injury during anterior spinal fusion resulting in a large prevertebral lymphocele presenting with dysphagia, respiratory distress, and chyloptysis. Surgical closure of the lymphocele was unsuccessful, and percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy was performed. A large thoracic duct branch communicating with the lymphocele became evident during sclerotherapy, and embolization of the duct was performed via a percutaneous transcervical approach. Symptoms immediately resolved, and the patient remained asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up.