Year: 2025 | Month: October-December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 92-98
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250414
A Comprehensive Study on the Anatomy and Variations of the Cystic Duct in Human Cadavers
Alakesh Gogoi1, Dipankar Thakuria2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine,
1Nagaon Medical College & Hospital, Nagaon, Assam, India,
2Jorhat Medical College & Hospital, Jorhat, Assam, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Dipankar Thakuria
ABSTRACT
Background: Anatomical variations of the cystic duct have great surgical importance due to their implications in cholecystectomy and other hepatobiliary procedures. A clear understanding of these variations helps reduce the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Aim: The present cadaveric study aimed to examine the anatomy and morphological variations of the cystic duct in relation to the common hepatic duct.
Methods: Thirty en bloc liver and biliary tract specimens were collected from unclaimed cadavers and carefully dissected. Measurements were taken for the length and diameter of the cystic duct at three levels, and the type and level of its union with the common hepatic duct were recorded along with the course of the duct.
Results: The results showed that the angular type of union was the most common, observed in 70% of specimens, while the parallel type appeared in 30%. No specimen exhibited a spiral union. In all specimens, the cystic duct joined the common hepatic duct just caudal to the porta hepatis. The mean length of the cystic duct was 2.45 cm. The diameter progressively tapered from proximal (mean 2.8 mm) to distal end (mean 2.1 mm). An ascending course was observed most frequently (40%), followed by descending and horizontal orientations (30% each).
Conclusion: The study highlights that although conventional anatomical patterns predominate, considerable variations exist that may influence surgical navigation. Knowledge of these variations is essential to prevent iatrogenic injuries and to improve the safety of biliary surgeries, especially in laparoscopic settings.
Keywords: Cystic duct, Anatomical variation, Common hepatic duct, Cholecystectomy, Biliary tree