Unusual anatomical variations of the hepatic arteries and bile ducts: What are the surgical implications

Abstract

Introduction: The knowledge of anatomy is essential for surgical safety and impacts positively on patients’ outcomes. Surgeons operating on the liver and bile ducts should keep in mind the normal anatomy and its variations as the latter are common.
 Case Presentation: We conducted a structured surgical dissection course of the supra-colic compartment of the abdominal cavity on 2nd and 3rd October 2020. While dissecting a 46years-old male cadaver, we encountered unusual anatomical variations of the hepatic arterial branching, the biliary tree, and arterial supply to the common bile duct. The common hepatic artery was dividing into two branches: a common short trunk for the left hepatic artery and the right gastric artery (hepato-gastric trunk) and a common trunk for the right hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery (hepato-gastroduodenal trunk). The right hepaticduct was duplicated with a main right hepatic duct and an additional smaller duct. The bile duct was supplied by an artery coming from the abdominal aorta.
 Conclusion: We described three unusual anatomical variations: a variation of the hepatic arteries branching pattern, an aberrant right hepatic duct, and blood supply to the bile duct from the abdominal aorta. Surgeons should be aware of these rare variations.
 Keywords: (MeSH terms); Hepatic artery; Bile duct; variation; Surgical implication.

Editorial I: So, who wins? It is still: NCDs 3; Infections 2

“…[36][37][38][39][40][41][42] The non-communicable diseases theme is then followed by infectious diseases, ranging from HIV, [43][44][45][46][47][48][49] the COVID-19 pandemic, [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57] and others. [58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66] We conclude the issue with a hybrid of papers [67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75] akatogo of sorts! Finally, we wish to thank our volunteers; editorial team and board; reviewers, authors, readers; and partners through AJPP and others, who, in one way or another, contributed to the sustainability and growth of AHS, as we continue our struggle to enhance publication of high-quality health science papers in Africa, the diaspora, and beyond.…”