No abstract

Intraoperative cholangiograms were studied in 250 patients. Analysis of the data obtained led to the establishment of a protocol for intraoperative cholangiography aimed at identification of anatomical anomalies and variations. Diagnosis of the latter must be achieved in order to avoid possible intraoperative complications. The common hepatic duct was formed by the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts in 52% of the cases studied. Absence of convergence of the posterior and anterior rami of the right hepatic duct was found in 30% of cases. Anatomical variations of the right sectorial duct system were seen in 12% of cases. Conversely, variations of the left sectorial duct system were rarely seen (2% of cases). Careful examination of the intraoperative cholangiograms led us to suspect certain anatomical variations in close to 1% of cases. These variations included abnormal hepatocystic duct, which if undiagnosed could lead to choleperitoneum or inadvertent ligation of the right hepatic duct. An abnormal hepatocystic duct terminating on the gall bladder was found in one patient. Study of the origin of the common bile duct allowed us to define the mode of termination of the cystic duct (on the right margin of the common hepatic duct in 80% of cases) and to identify a short choledochus in 2% of cases. Finally, variations of the duodenal termination of the common bile duct were studied and reflux into the pancreatic duct was seen in 27% of cases. However, the pathological significance of such reflux was rarely found.

The absence of identifiable parasympathetic root, resulting in a close relationship between ciliary ganglion and the inferior branch of the oculomotor nerve, could be a possible explanation of postganglionic mydriasis following blow-out orbital floor fracture or surgical repair of this type of fracture. The absence of sympathetic root is due to a forward retro-orbital connection between internal carotid plexus and ophthalmic nerve within cavernous sinus, corresponding to gray rami communicans.

Injury to the mandibular marginal ramus of the facial n. constitutes a risk in cervicofacial surgery. The aims of this study were to define the origin of this nerve branch and its course and relations, especially with the lower border of the mandible and the facial vessels. Our observations revealed differences from the classical description of a single nerve branch traveling on the outer aspect of the body of the mandible above its lower border. We found several marginal branches, which become closely related to the facial pedicle, particularly the intermediate ramus, which can form a neural plexus around the facial a. They may follow a submandibular course, before but also after crossing the facial vessels. They are difficult to classify because of their great variability.

The caudate lobe of the liver is an independent segment straddling the right and left lobes of the liver. It is divided into 2 parts, right and left, indicated externally by the caudate and papillary processes. It is now possible to unvestigate it by ultrasonography and computed tomography, allowing its surgical excision for tumoral disease of the superior biliary confluence.

The action of the omohyoid muscle on the hemodynamics of the internal jugular vein is controversial. For some authors, contraction of this muscle, by tightening the cervical fascia, promotes jugular venous return. For others, contraction of this muscle compresses the jugular vein in its cervical path. With this latter point in mind, the hemodynamics of the internal jugular vein have been studied in its cervical path by echography in 10 healthy volunteers. One hundred twenty measurements of the venous surface were made at rest, with the mouth open and during deep inspiration. In the last 2 situations, evidence of a significant increase in the venous surface was found above the omohyoid muscle. These data confirm the role of compression of the vein by the omohyoid muscle, leading to modifications in intracerebral venous hemodynamics, which can be affected in yawning.

The authors report an exceptional and well-documented case of interruption of the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava with an "azygos continuation", combined with absence of the portal vein. The only known combination of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava and the portal vein was that of an "azygos continuation" and a preduodenal portal vein. The double interruption, portal and inferior caval, may be associated with a disturbance of preferential flows induced by the left umbilical thrust. According to hemodynamic theory, the left umbilical flow is the determining factor in organogenesis of the portal vein and the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava.

This anatomical study has shown that the coracoid process had its own blood supply. During the Latarjet procedure, vascular sacrifices are mandatory to allow coracoid process transfer to the scapular neck. Such sacrifices could explain lysis or non-union of the coracoid process after Latarjet procedure. Preservation of axillary artery branches supplying horizontal part of the coracoid process could be a possible solution to prevent non-union and lysis of the bone transfer.