Where it is
Under the right lobe of the liver. The cystic duct joins the common hepatic duct to form the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum.
What it does
Contracts after a fatty meal to release bile, which emulsifies fat for digestion.
Clinical relevance
- Gallstones blocking the common bile duct cause jaundice, dark urine and clay-colored stools.
- Murphy's sign: pain and a stopped breath when pressing under the right ribs during inspiration.
Nursing focus
- After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, shoulder pain from the CO2 gas is common; early ambulation helps.