Isolated duplications of the cystic duct: case report and implications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy on an elderly patient, we were alarmed to find another "cystic" duct after division of the cystic duct, and the operation was converted to open laparotomy. This is the first documented case in the English literature of duplication of a cystic duct with two ducts joining the common hepatic duct at the same level. This and other anatomic variations are important considerations in the safe performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.