Cystic Vein

vena cystica

The cystic veins drain the gallbladder and the cystic duct. Most small veins from the upper surface of the gallbladder pass directly into the liver, while those from the free surface run along the cystic duct to the portal venous system. Unlike the cystic artery, there is usually no single large cystic vein.

Anatomical Data

Course & Branches

Origin	Venous network of the gallbladder wall
Course	Small veins from the gallbladder pass either directly into the liver tissue of the gallbladder bed or along the cystic duct to drain into the right branch of the portal vein
Branches	Veins of the gallbladder bed Veins along the cystic duct

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Because many cystic veins pass directly into the liver bed, bleeding from the gallbladder fossa during cholecystectomy is common and usually controlled with diathermy. In portal hypertension the cystic veins can become varicose, making gallbladder surgery more hazardous. The direct venous drainage into the liver explains early spread of gallbladder cancer into the adjacent liver segments.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Gallbladder Bed Bleeding

Venous oozing from the gallbladder fossa during cholecystectomy, controlled by diathermy, haemostatic agents or pressure.

Gallbladder Varices

Dilated cystic veins in portal hypertension or portal vein thrombosis, increasing the risk of bleeding during cholecystectomy.

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