Publication:

A rare case of abnormally high thoracic duct in neck

Thoracic duct injury can be a cause of significant morbidity if its injury remain undiagnosed during surgery. Knowledge of its course and anomaly should be known to prevent its injury. Presenting a case of 40 year male who was diagnosed to have left buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma. During neck dissection, anomalous thoracic duct was found much above the omohyoid muscle. Adequate steps were taken to prevent injury to it. It is necessary to acknowledge thoracic duct and prevent its injury during neck dissection.  Knowledge about its anomalous path should be known to prevent its injury. Valsalva manoeuvre should be done at the end of neck dissection to find and thoracic duct injury by observing chyle leak and adequate measures should be taken immediately to prevent morbidity associated with it.