ObjectiveTo summarize the efficacy and safety of Jindan Fuyan Granule in the treatment of refractory chylous leakage after neck lymph node dissection for thyroid cancer. MethodThe clinical data of thyroid cancer patients with refractory chylous leakage after neck lymph node dissection treated with Jindan Fuyan Granules in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from January to December 2023, were retrospectively collected. ResultsAfter treatment with Jindan Fuyan Granules on the basis of conventional treatment, the drainage volume of 3 patients with thyroid cancer after radical neck lymph node dissection was significantly reduced, from 100 mL to 2 mL, 1 285 mL to 5 mL, and 960 mL to 5 mL, respectively. After 3 days of treatment, the tubes were removed successfully. After discharge from the hospital, 3 patients were followed up for 3, 3, 4 months, respectively, showing satisfactory wound healing without chylous leakage or other discomfort. ConclusionsCombined with low-fat diet, drainage and other non-surgical treatment methods, Jindan Fuyan Granule has obvious effect on treating refractory chylous fistula after neck lymph node dissection, which can be used as a non-surgical treatment option. However, the efficacy needs to be further verified.
ObjectiveTo summarize the prevention and treatment strategies and their effects on lymphatic leakage following transoral endoscopic thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph node dissection. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted, we collected clinical data from 47 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and lateral neck lymph node dissection at our hospital from January 2021 to May 2023. A stepwise sequential treatment plan was adopted for patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage: low-fat, low-protein diet, continuous strong negative pressure suction, subcutaneous injection of Group A streptococcus in the surgical cavity, and ligation of the thoracic duct or lymphatic vessels through a small incision. The effectiveness of the sequential treatment plan was summarized. ResultsOut of the 47 patients, lymphatic leakage occurred in 5 cases postoperatively. Patient No.1 was cured of lymphatic leakage after sequential treatments including pectoralis major muscle flap occlusion of the jugular venous angle, low-fat, low-protein diet, continuous strong negative pressure suction postoperatively, subcutaneous injection of Group A streptococcus in the surgical cavity, and finally ligation of the thoracic duct or lymphatic vessels through a small incision. Patient No.20 was conservatively cured of lymphatic leakage with an initial surgical procedure involving pectoralis major muscle flap occlusion of the jugular venous angle, low-fat, low-protein diet, continuous strong negative pressure suction postoperatively, and subcutaneous injection of Group A streptococcus in the surgical cavity. Patient No.28 recovered after only pectoralis major muscle flap occlusion of the jugular venous angle, low-fat, low-protein diet and continuous strong negative pressure suction postoperatively. Treatment process of patient No.30 was the same as Patient No.1, Patient No.36 was the same as Patient No.20. Through the stepwise sequential treatment measures, all 5 patients successfully recovered from lymphatic leakage; the postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 17 days, with an average of 8.6 days. ConclusionsThe stepwise sequential treatment plan used in this study can effectively prevent and treat lymphatic leakage after transoral endoscopic thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph node dissection. Given the small sample size of this study, we believe that it is necessary to conduct long-term studies to confirm the durability and stability of these measures.