STRUCTURE

• Cystic Duct is usually variable in length but mostly 4 cm long in adults. It is a connection between Gallbladder and Common Bile Duct.
• Cystic Duct contains wave like folds from inside in proximal portion known as Spiral Valves of Heister.

POSITION

• Cystic Duct is present just to the left of Gallbladder, under the lower border of liver.
• It runs downwards obliquely to left side.
• Cystic Duct ends by joining Common Hepatic Duct.
• Cystic Duct lies anterior to Portal and Superior Mesenteric Veins.
• Pancreas is present on left side.

FUNCTION

• Cystic Duct allows movement of bile in both directions i.e. towards and away from Gallbladder.
• Gallbladder stores bile till it is needed for digestion so flow is from Common Hepatic Duct to Gallbladder in Cystic Duct.
• When bile is needed for digestion (especially fatty meal) Gallbladder contracts and flow is towards Common Bile Duct, inside Cystic Duct.
• Spiral Valves of Heister are of little value as they don't function as true valves.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Due to the presence of folds inside the duct there is difficulty in passage of surgical instruments via Cystic Duct.
• Gallstones can lodge inside Cystic Duct and block the flow of bile.
• Care must be taken in surgical removal of Gallbladder as Cystic Duct can leak out later after surgery.