Treatment of chronic thoracic duct fistula with the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap.

Thoracic duct fistula is a rare but potentially serious complication of head and neck surgery. The fistulae can be difficult to treat, and several techniques, both operative and nonoperative, are advocated. We present a simple technique for the treatment of chronic thoracic duct fistula where other procedures have failed. After identification and ligation of the duct, the area is covered with the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.