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Chyle leak following an anterior cervical approach is an extremely rare complication which must nonetheless be considered.

Postoperative diagnosis is usually based on soft swelling at the surgical wound with whitish drainage.

Due to its anatomical distribution, the risk is higher in left-sided approaches near C5-C6 and in low right-sided approaches near T1.

If detected intraoperatively and feasible, an attempt should be made to suture the duct.

In cases of low-output leak (<500 ml/day), conservative management with a low-fat diet may be sufficient.