The cystic duct connects the neck of the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct, and their union forms the common bile duct. It is about 2-4 cm long. Its lining forms a spiral fold (spiral valve of Heister) that keeps it open and controls flow in both directions.
| Location | From the neck of the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct, in the hepatoduodenal ligament |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Hepatic plexus |
| Blood Supply | Cystic artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Carries bile into the gallbladder for storage and out of it to the common bile duct when it contracts.
Blockage of the cystic duct by a stone is the usual trigger for biliary colic and acute cholecystitis. Its length and the way it joins the hepatic duct vary considerably, so surgeons display it clearly in the critical view of safety before dividing it. Leakage from the cystic duct stump is a common cause of bile leak after cholecystectomy.
Impaction of a gallstone in the cystic duct causing biliary colic or, if persistent, acute cholecystitis.
Bile leak from the closed cystic duct after cholecystectomy, often treated by endoscopic stenting.
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