We have studied seven patients with noncalculous partial cystic duct obstruction, a syndrome which has not been widely recognized in this country. All seven patients complained of right upper quadrant abdominal pain after meals, but routine oral cholecystography demonstrated normally-filling gallbladders without stones. Using cholecystokinin as a gallbladder stimulant in biliary drainage and cholecystography, we were able to demonstrate impaired gallbladder evacuation due to partial cystic duct obstruction in each instance. Reproduction of the patients' spontaneous pain corroborated the diagnosis. Because of the mechanical nature of the obstruction, cholecystectomy was performed in all patients, followed by lasting symptomatic relief. The term, "cystic duct syndrome" is proposed to designate this condition.