Chyle leak is a rare but well recognised complication after neck surgery, including thyroidectomy. Reported incidence of chyle leak ranges from 0.5-9.3% of patients after thyroidectomy with neck dissection for thyroid cancer. When thyroidectomy is performed without neck dissection, the incidence is significantly lower, with only a few cases reported to date.

Objectives:

This case report aims to describe the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes for a patient who developed a high-volume chyle leak following total thyroidectomy for multinodular goitre with retrosternal extension.

Methods and Results
A 60 year old male underwent total thyroidectomy for multinodular goitre with retrosternal extension. Postoperatively, he developed a high-volume chyle leak. Conservative management of chyle leak was inadequate and patient underwent Image-guided embolisation of thoracic duct.

Conclusions

Although chyle leak post thyroidectomy is rare, we should maintain a higher index of suspicion, especially in complex cases with retrosternal extension. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management.