Variations of Cystic Duct and Its Clinical Significance

Background: Cystic duct drains the bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct. Gallstone disease is one of the most common problems affecting the digestive tract and may lead to many complications. To avoid the complications in these patients the gallbladder is removed surgically (Cholecystectomy). Ligation of cystic duct and cystic artery is a prerequisite procedure when cholecystectomy is done. Understanding about the normal anatomy & the possible variations in biliary ductal system is important for the surgeons for doing cholecystectomy surgery successfully. Errors during gallbladder surgery commonly result from failure to appreciate the common variations in the anatomy of the biliary system. Aim of the study: To find out the incidence of variations in the length, course, and termination of cystic duct in cadavers. Materials and Methods: Present study was done in 50 adult cadavers in the Department of Anatomy, Government Tiruvannamalai medical college, Tamilnadu. Meticulous dissection was done in the hepatobiliary system of these cadavers. Observations: During the study variations in the length of cystic duct, course and different modes of insertion of cystic duct were observed. Conclusion: Knowledge of variations in the length of cystic duct and knowing about different modes of course & insertion of cystic duct is necessary for surgeons while conducting cholecystectomy. The risk of iatrogenic injury is especially high in cases where the biliary anatomy is misidentified prior to surgery. KEY WORDS: Cystic duct, Gallbladder, Cholecystectomy.