An Unusual Variation of Extra Hepatic Biliary Ductal System: Hepaticocystic Duct

Aim: The aim of this study was to focus on the variations occurring in the formation of extra hepatic biliary tract. These variations can occur from the gallbladder, cystic duct, hepatic ducts, common bile duct. Most of these variations are due to aberrations in the normal embryological development. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 25 foetal specimens of 7 to 9 months gestational age collected from the obstetrics and gynaecology department, Madras medical college, Chennai. Gallbladder was identified and dissection was carried out from the neck of gallbladder. Cystic duct, right hepatic duct, left hepatic duct, common hepatic duct and common bile duct were traced out. The relation of hepatic artery to the duct system was also noted. Result: This study reports an unusual variation in a foetal specimen out of 25 foetal specimens studied by dissection. In one of the specimen the common bile duct was absent. A small common hepatic duct from the liver entered directly into the neck of gallbladder. Further drainage of bile from the gallbladder was carried out by a long cystic duct which opened into the duodenum. The right and left hepatic ducts united intra hepatically to form the common hepatic duct. Conclusion: The variation noted here has been reported less in the literatures. knowledge of this congenital variation along with variations in cystic duct, common hepatic duct, common bile duct and the surrounding vessels is necessary to avoid iatrogenic ductal injuries and inadvertent complications during biliary surgery.