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.