common bile duct

Introduction

A duct formed by joining of the hepatic & cystic bile ducts.

Structure

Normal diameter: (adults)

• < 6-7 mm
• < 8 mm to 1 cm after cholecystectomy
• baseline diameter of 4 mm increases by 1 mm for each decade age > 40 years

Empties into

the duodenum at the duodenal papilla

Pathology

• see dilated bile duct

More general terms

• bile duct

Additional terms

• dilated bile duct