Abnormal low confluence of the hepatic ducts in cases of choledocholithiasis

Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of choledocholithiasis in patients with low left and right posterior hepatic duct confluence.Methods Clinical data of 12 patients suffering from cholelithiasis with a low confluence of the left and right posterior hepatic ducts admitted between January 2000 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Of the 12 cases,the left and right posterior hepatic ducts joined between 2 cm below hilus hepatis and the superior border of the duodenum in 8 cases,below the superior border of the duodenum in 4 cases.Seven cases had a low confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts,and 5 cases had right posterior duct low confluence.As for bile duct stricture:the opening stricture at the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts were found in 4 cases,the opening stricture in the right hepatic ducts were found in 3 cases,the opening stricture of the left hepatic duct were found in 2 cases.There were left and right bile duct stones in 7 cases,right intrahepatic bile duct stones in 3 cases,left intrahepatic bile duct stones in 2 cases.Cystic duct joined the right hepatic duct in 5 cases,left hepatic duct in 2 cases.Seven cases with a low confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts were with double T tube drainage; five of low right hepatic duct confluence were treated by T tube drainage.The right posterior branch of hepatic ducts were injured in four cases and right hepatic duct was injured in one.Conclusions Low confluence of left and right posterior hepatic ducts often leads to misdiagnosis during surgery of cholelithiasis.Magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was helpful before cholecystectomy to avoid iatrogenic injury of biliary tract. Key words: Hepatic ducts, common ;  Cholecystectomy ;  Bile duct low confluence;  Bile duct injury