Isolated complete transection of the common bile duct by blunt abdominal trauma

Isolated complete transection of the common bile duct due to blunt trauma is rare. Its occurrence and successful treatment in an 8-year-old boy are described. Inital minor peritonism resolved quickly, followed by a deceptive asymptomatic period and insidious development of jaundice, anorexia, vomiting, pain, acholic stools and progressive abdominal distension due to sterile biliary ascites. A preliminary cholecystostomy was followed by construction of a Roux-en-Y cholecystojejunostomy.