The common hepatic duct is formed at the porta hepatis by the union of the right and left hepatic ducts. It runs down for about 3-4 cm in the free edge of the lesser omentum, to the right of the hepatic artery and in front of the portal vein. It is joined by the cystic duct to form the common bile duct.
| Location | From the porta hepatis down the free edge of the hepatoduodenal ligament to its junction with the cystic duct |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Hepatic plexus |
| Blood Supply | Right hepatic artery; Cystic artery branches |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Carries bile from the whole liver toward the common bile duct.
It forms the medial border of the hepatocystic (Calot) triangle, so it is the duct most at risk if mistaken for the cystic duct during cholecystectomy. A large stone in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct can press on it from the side and cause jaundice (Mirizzi syndrome).
Accidental clipping, cutting or burning of the common hepatic duct during cholecystectomy, causing bile leak, jaundice or later stricture.
Obstruction of the common hepatic duct by external compression from a stone impacted in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
