Cystohepatic duct can be the bridge of calculous cholecystitis complicating cholangitis and obstructive jaundice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Biliary Anatomy and Pathology

Background:

• Obstructive jaundice and cholestasis can arise from intrahepatic or extrahepatic causes.
• Calculous cholecystitis is a common gallbladder condition.
• Biliary anomalies are infrequently encountered but can lead to complex clinical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique case of recurrent obstructive jaundice secondary to a rare biliary anomaly.
• To highlight the role of the cystohepatic duct in complicating calculous cholecystitis.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying rare biliary anomalies during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with recurrent obstructive jaundice and calculous cholecystitis.
• Intraoperative identification of a cystohepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Postoperative assessment for resolution of cholestasis and jaundice.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced repeated episodes of obstructive jaundice without initial signs of bile duct dilation.
• A rare cystohepatic duct was identified intraoperatively.
• Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient showed complete resolution of cholestasis and obstructive jaundice.

Conclusions:

• The cystohepatic duct can serve as a critical link between calculous cholecystitis and subsequent cholangitis or obstructive jaundice.
• This case represents the first documented instance of a cystohepatic duct complicating calculous cholecystitis leading to obstructive jaundice.
• Recognition of this rare anomaly is crucial for successful surgical management of related biliary complications.