The size of the normal common hepatic duct following cholecystectomy: an ultrasonographic study.

Abstract

Asymptomatic patients [67] underwent repeat ultrasonography 4-16 mo. following cholecystectomy with or without common bile duct exploration. Patients [56] (84%) had common hepatic ducts with a normal internal diameter of 4 mm or less. Four patients had common hepatic ducts measuring 5 mm and 7 patients had common hepatic ducts measuring 6 to 10 mm. Although the common hepatic duct generally is not dilated following cholecystectomy, a significant minority (16%) of asymptomatic patients apparently have common hepatic ducts larger than 4 mm and in these patients the duct may measure up to 10 mm.