Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents post-neck dissection (level [X]) with clinical evidence of chyle leak. Onset noted on POD [X], characterized by milky, high-output drainage from the surgical drain. Patient denies fever, chills, or neck tightness. Current drain output is [X] mL/24h.
Clinical Examination Findings
Neck exam reveals localized swelling at the supraclavicular fossa. Surgical site is clean without erythema or fluctuance. Drain site shows milky, opaque, lipid-rich fluid. No signs of tension or airway compromise. Neck range of motion is stable.
Treatment Protocol
Initiate low-fat, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet. Maintain closed-suction drainage monitoring. Consider pressure dressing application. If output remains >[X] mL/24h, initiate octreotide therapy and evaluate for surgical exploration or sclerotherapy. Monitor electrolytes and nutritional status.