Is biliary lithogenesis affected by length and implantation of cystic duct? Study of 270 patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

The gallbladder seems to play an important role in lithogenesis. Moreover, the morphology and the implantation of the cystic duct may also influence this process. Our purpose was to evaluate if the length and the implantation of the cystic duct may affect the formation of gallstones. Between April 1992 and March 1994, 270 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were included in the study, and the radiological length of the cystic duct was carefully recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: I, absence of lithiasis: 113 patients (65 men, 48 women); and II, gallbladder lithiasis or lithiasis in the common bile duct with or without gallbladder lithiasis: 157 patients (73 men, 84 women). A statistically significant difference was observed among the two groups regarding the insertion of the cystic duct: implantation on the left side of the common bile duct represented a risk factor of lithiasis. The length of the cystic duct was not directly implicated. Hypokinesis of the gallbladder is currently recognized as being a major factor in the initial steps of lithogenesis, but the implantation of the cystic duct can play an important role by increasing cystic duct resistance and causing a reduced washout effect of the gallbladder contents, including cholesterol crystals.