Common hepatic duct

Overview
The common hepatic duct is the duct formed by the convergence of the right hepatic duct (which drains bile from the right functional lobe of the liver) and the left hepatic duct (which drains bile from the left functional lobe of the liver). The common hepatic duct then joins the cystic duct coming from the gallbladder to form the common bile duct.

Clinical significance
The hepatic duct transports more volume in people who have had their gallbladder removed.

The common hepatic duct has an important relationship with the right hepatic artery and the cystic artery. All of these must be identified during a cholecystectomy to avoid cutting or clipping the wrong structure.

Dimensions
Approximate length: 8 cm Approximate width: 8 mm