Duct formed by confluence of common hepatic duct and cystic duct; terminates at ampulla of Vater
Expansion
Common Bile Duct
Purpose
Main extrahepatic bile duct; assesses for stones, strictures, malignancy
Clinical Context
Common bile duct: common hepatic duct plus cystic duct merger to ampulla. Normal less than 6 millimetres; greater than 10 millimetres pathological. Post-duct or cholecystectomy up to 8 to 9 millimetres can be normal.
Related Terms
- Common hepatic duct
- Ampulla
Key Points
- Common bile duct normal less than 6 millimetres (or less than 8 millimetres if post-cholecystectomy); greater than 10 millimetres abnormal