Thoracic duct injury during anterior cervical discectomy: A rare complication: Case report

Anna Kristina E. Hart, John H. Greinwald, Christopher I. Shaffrey, Gregory N. Postma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chylous fistula resulting from intraoperative injury to the cervical thoracic duct is well described as a complication of neck dissection. However, injury to the thoracic duct during spinal surgery is rarely reported. The authors present the first case of thoracic duct injury occurring during cervical discectomy and fusion via an anterior approach. The anomalous location of the terminal arch of the thoracic duct in this patient contributed to the complication. The morbidity of chyle leakage is minimized by its early recognition, a thorough understanding of lymphatic system anatomy, and aggressive management of the thoracic duct injury.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)151-154
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of neurosurgery
Volume88
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cervical spine
  • Discectomy
  • Operative complication
  • Thoracic duct

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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