Lymphatic Network of the Common Bile Duct

The fine lymphatic network of the hepatic pedicle and of the common b i le duc t , as p roved by immunohistochemical tecniques, plays an important role in many clinical syndromes. Common bile duct is supported by absorbing and collector lymphatics inducing a possible regulation of the flowing fluid besides that purely mechanical of conduction. The absence of valves in lymphatics allows an inversion of direction of lymph flow towards the liver, especially when the main abdominal lymphatic trunks are involved by cancer disease.