Isolated chyle duct injury in blunt trauma.

We present a case of a patient sustaining an isolated injury to the right main branch of the cysterna chyli due to a high-speed motor vehicle accident. A 42-year-old man presented after a high-speed collision. CT revealed a collection of hypodense fluid in the gallbladder fossa, which was the clue to take him to the OR. We proceeded to laparoscopic exploration, and based on the milky white color of the fluid, identified a chyle leak. In an open fashion, the retroperitoneum was explored and the injury was identified as disruption of the right lumbar branch entering the cisterna chyli, and this was ligated with silk ties. Chyle duct injury secondary to blunt trauma is a rare finding. The use of CT imaging can identify this injury. Laparoscopy can confirm the injury. Open ligation of the injured duct is the best treatment.