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The surgical anatomy and clinical relevance of the neglected right lymphatic duct: review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 January 2013

M E Smith ,
F Riffat  and
P Jani
M E Smith*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
F Riffat
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
P Jani
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Matthew Smith, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK Fax: +44 (0)1223 217 559 E-mail: m.e.smith@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background:

The major lymphatic vessels may be damaged during neck dissection or other cervical surgery, resulting in chyloma or chyle fistula. While commonly considered to be predominantly a complication of left-sided surgery, the thoracic duct may be damaged on either side of the neck due to the extreme variability in the anatomy of the central lymphatic system.

Method and results:

This paper reviews the variable anatomy and embryology of the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts, particularly aspects relevant to head and neck surgery.

Keywords

Thoracic DuctLymphatic SystemAnatomy & HistologyChyleFistula
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Issue 2 , February 2013 , pp. 128 - 133
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013

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