Variations in extra-hepatic biliary tree morphology and morphometry: a narrative review of literature with focus on cystohepatic triangle.

The morphometry and morphology of the components of extrahepatic biliary tree show extensive variations. A beforehand recognition of these variations is very crucial to prevent unintended complications while performing surgeries in this region. This study was conducted to analyse the configuration of the extrahepatic biliary tree and its possible variations, as well as measure the components that limit the cystohepatic triangle. Articles were searched in major online indexed databases (Medline and PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) using relevant key words. A total of 73 articles matched the search criteria of which 55 articles were identified for data extraction. The length of left and right hepatic duct in majority of studies was found to be > 10 mm. A wide range of diameters of hepatic ducts were observed between 5 and 43 mm. The average length of cystic duct is around 20 mm. The length and diameter of the common bile duct are 50-150 mm and 3-9 mm, respectively. The most frequently observed pattern of insertion of cystic duct into common hepatic duct is right lateral, rarely anterior, or posterior spiral insertion can present. The results of this study will provide a standard reference range which instead will help to differentiate the normal and pathological conditions.

Topographical relationship between the accessory hepatic duct and the hepatic artery system.

Hepatic biliary injury is one of the most common complications in cholecystectomy and is frequently accompanied by arterial injuries. Because there are several anatomical variations of the hepatic ducts, including the accessory hepatic ducts (AHDs), it is important to consider not only the anatomical position of the hepatic ducts but also those of the AHDs in cholecystectomy. However, the topographical relationships between the AHDs and the hepatic arteries are still poorly understood. In the present study we show that AHDs were observed in 7 out of 59 (11.9%) of the cadavers. There was a single AHD in the 6 out of the 7 cadavers and double AHDs in one. In these cases, the right AHDs emerged from the anterior medial segment of the liver piercing the parenchyma, while the left AHDs emerged directly from the anterior part of the caudate lobe. The right AHDs ran anterior to the right hepatic artery, while the left AHDs ran posterior to the hepatic arteries. The topographical relationship between the AHD and the hepatic artery system was thus reversed in the cases of the right and the left AHDs.

A novel classification of aberrant right hepatic ducts ensures a critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Based on the spatial relationship of an aberrant right hepatic duct (ARHD) with the cystic duct and gallbladder neck, we propose a practical classification to evaluate the specific form predisposing to injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the preoperative images (mostly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and clinical outcomes of 721 consecutive patients who underwent LC at our institute from 2015 to 2018. We defined the high-risk ARHD as follows: Type A: communicating with the cystic duct and Type B: running along the gallbladder neck or adjacent to the infundibulum (the minimal distance from the ARHD < 5 mm), regardless of the confluence pattern in the biliary tree. Other ARHDs were considered to be of low risk. RESULTS: A high-risk ARHD was identified in 16 cases (2.2%): four (0.6%) with Type A anatomy and 12 (1.7%) with Type B. The remaining ARHD cases (n = 34, 4.7%) were categorized as low risk. There were no significant differences in the operative outcomes (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay) between the high- and low- risk groups. Subtotal cholecystectomy was applied in four cases (25%) in the high-risk group, a significantly higher percentage than the low-risk group (n = 1, 2.9%). In all patients with high-risk ARHD, LC was completed safely without bile duct injury or conversion to laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our simple classification of high-risk ARHD can highlight the variants located close to the dissecting site to achieve a critical view of safety and may contribute to avoiding inadvertent damage of an ARHD in LC.

Effectiveness of near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography in the identification of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy in comparison to magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury represents the most serious complication of LC, with an incidence of 0.3-0.7% resulting in a significant impact on quality-of-life, overall survival, and frequent medico-legal litigations. Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRF-C) represents a novel intra-operative imaging technique that allows a real-time enhanced visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree by fluorescence. The role of routine use of pre-operative magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) to better clarify the biliary anatomy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a matter of debate. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NIRF-C in the detection of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy intra-operatively in comparison with pre-operative MRCP. METHODS: Data from 26 consecutive patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or chronic cholecystitis, who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intra-operative fluorescent cholangiography and pre-operative MRCP examination between January 2018 and May 2018, were analyzed. Three selected features of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy were identified and analyzed by the two different imaging methods: insertion of cystic duct, cystic duct-common hepatic duct junction, and cystic duct course. RESULTS: Fluorescent cholangiography was performed successfully in all twenty-six patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The visualization of cystic duct was reported in 23 out of 26 cases, showing an overall diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%. The level of insertion, course, and wall implantation of cystic duct were achieved by NIRF-C with diagnostic accuracy values of 65.2%, 78.3%, and 91.3%, respectively in comparison with MRCP data. No bile duct injuries were reported. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent cholangiography can be considered a useful imaging diagnostic tool comparable to MRCP for detailed intra-operative visualization of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Laparoscopic management for aberrant hepatic duct in children with choledochal cysts.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to evaluate efficacy of laparoscopic treatment for aberrant hepatic duct (AHD) in children with cholecochal cysts (CDC). METHODS: CDC children with AHDs who successfully underwent laparoscopic ductoplasties and hepaticojejunostomies between October 2001 and October 2017 were reviewed. The AHD variations were categorized into four subtypes and the surgical management varied according the subtypes. RESULTS: Sixty CDC patients with AHDs were reviewed. The mean age at surgery was 3.91 years. Two patients with Type 2 anomaly developed bile leaks after primary surgeries, and underwent laparoscopic anastomosis of AHD to jejunum in redo surgeries. In the remaining 58 patients, the average operative time was 3.75 h. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.02 days. The mean duration for full diet resumption was 2.25 days. The mean drainage time was 4.05 days. The median follow-up period was 30 months. Two patients with giant cysts had fluid collections, and were cured by drainages. One patient encountered duodenal injury at perforation site, and underwent laparoscopic repair. None of the patients had anastomotic stenosis, bile leak, cholangitis, intrahepatic reflux, pancreatic leak, pancreatitis, Roux-loop obstruction, or adhesive intestinal obstruction. Postoperative liver function tests and serum amylase level normalized within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition and treatment based on different subtypes of AHDs effectively prevent relevant complications. Individualized laparoscopic ductoplasty and hepaticojejunostomy is an efficacious management for AHDs in CDC children.

Biliary tract in trident, an anatomical variation between the cystic duct and its union to the common hepatic duct: a rare case report / Tracto biliar en tridente, una variación anatómica entre el conducto cístico y su unión al conducto hepático común: un caso raro

SUMMARY: Given that the gallbladder and the biliary tract are subject to multiple anatomical variants, detailed knowledge of embryology and its anatomical variants is essential for the recognition of the surgical field when the gallbladder is removed laparoscopically or by laparotomy, even when radiology procedures are performed. During a necropsy procedure, when performing the dissection of the bile duct is a rare anatomical variant of the bile duct, in this case the cystic duct joins at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts giving an appearance of trident. This rare anatomical variant in the formation of common bile duct is found during the exploration of the bile duct during a necropsy procedure, it is clear that the wrong ligation of a common hepatic duct can cause a great morbi-mortality in the postsurgical of biliary surgery. This rare anatomical variant not previously described is put in consideration to the scientific community. Anatomical variants of the biliary tract are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, causing serious bile duct injuries. Only the surgical skill of the surgeon and his open mind to the possibilities of abnormalities make the performance of cholecystectomy a safe procedure.

RESUMEN: Dado que la vesícula biliar y el tracto biliar están sujetos a múltiples variantes anatómicas, el conocimiento detallado de la embriología y sus variantes anatómicas es esencial para el reconocimiento del campo quirúrgico cuando la vesícula biliar se extirpa laparoscópicamente o por laparotomía, incluso cuando se realizan procedimientos de radiología. Durante un procedimiento de necropsia, se realiza la disección del conducto biliar y se observa una variante anatómica inusual del conducto biliar; en este caso, el conducto cístico se une a la confluencia de los conductos hepáticos derecho e izquierdo dando una apariencia de tridente. Esta rara variante anatómica en la formación del conducto biliar común puede causar una gran morbimortalidad en la cirugía biliar asociado a una ligadura incorrecta. Esta extraña variante anatómica no descrita anteriormente se reporta a la comunidad científica, debido a que las variantes anatómicas del tracto biliar se asocian con altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad, al causar lesiones graves en el conducto biliar. Solo la habilidad quirúrgica del cirujano y su mente abierta a las posibilidades de variaciones anatómicas hacen que la realización de la colecistectomía sea un procedimiento seguro.

Radiologic evaluation of vasculobiliary anatomy in the umbilical fissure.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative evaluation of vasculobiliary anatomy in the umbilical fissure (U-point) is pivotal for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCCA) applied to right-sided hepatectomy. The purpose of our study was to review the vasculobiliary anatomy in the U-point using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technique, to investigate the diagnostic ability of 2D scans to evaluate anatomic variations, and to discuss its surgical implications. METHODS: A retrospective study of 159 patients with Bismuth type I, II, and IIIa PCCA, who received surgery at our institution from November 2012 to September 2016, was conducted. Anatomic structures were assessed using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) by one hepatobiliary surgeon, whereas 3D images were reconstructed by an independent radiologist. Normal confluence pattern of left biliary system was defined as the left medial segmental bile duct (B4) joining the common trunk of segment II (B2) and segment III (B3) ducts, whereas aberrant confluence patterns were classified into 3 types: type I, triple confluence of B2, B3, and B4; type II, B2 draining into the common trunk of B3 and B4; type III, other patterns. Surgical anatomy of B4 was classified into the central, peripheral, and combined type according to its relation to the hepatic confluence. The lengths from the bile duct branch of Spiegel's lobe (B1l) to the orifice of B4 and the junction of B2 and B3 were measured on 3D images. The anatomy of left hepatic artery (LHA) was classified according to different origins and the spatial relationship related to the U-point. RESULTS: 3D reconstruction revealed that normal confluence pattern of left biliary system was observed in 71.1% (113/159) of all patients, and variant patterns were type I in 11.9% (19/159), type II in 12.6% (20/159), and type III in 4.4% (7/159). The length from B1l to the junction of B2 and B3 was 12.1 ± 3.1 mm in type I variation, which was significantly shorter than that in normal configuration (30.0 ± 6.8 mm, P < 0.001) but significantly longer than that in type II variation (9.6 ± 3.4 mm, P = 0.019). Surgical anatomy of B4: the peripheral type was most commonly seen (74.2%, 118/159), followed by central type (15.7%, 25/159) and combined type (10.1%, 16/159). The distance between the B1l and B4 was 8.4 ± 2.4 mm in central and combined type, which was significantly shorter than that in peripheral type (14.5 ± 4.1 mm, P < 0.001). A replaced or accessory LHA from the left gastric artery was present in 6 (3.8%) and 9 (5.7%) patients, respectively. LHA running along the left caudal position of U-point was present in 143 cases (89.9%), along the right cranial position of U-point in nine cases (5.7 %), and combined position in seven cases (4.4%). Interobserver agreement of two imaging modalities was almost perfect in biliary confluence pattern (kappa = 0.90; 95% confidence interval: 0.79-1.00), substantial in surgical anatomy of B4 (kappa = 0.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.86), and perfect in LHA (kappa = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Thoroughly understanding the imaging characters of surgical anatomy in the U-point may be benefit for preoperative evaluation of PCCA by successive review of 2D images alone, whereas 3D reconstruction technique allows detailed hepatic anatomy and individualized surgical planning for advanced cases.

Clinical Implications of Biliary Confluence Pattern for Bismuth-Corlette Type IV Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Applied to Hemihepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Since biliary variations are commonly seen, our aims are to clarify these insidious variations and discuss their surgicopathologic implications for Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) applied to hemihepatectomy. METHODS: Three-dimensional images of patients with distal bile duct obstruction (n = 97) and advanced HC (n = 79) were reconstructed and analyzed retrospectively. Normal biliary confluence pattern was defined as the peripheral segment IV duct (B4) joining the common trunk of segment II (B2) and segment III (B3) ducts to form the left hepatic duct (LHD) that then joined the right hepatic duct (RHD). The lengths from left and right secondary biliary ramifications to the right side of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein (Rl-L) and the cranio-ventral side of the right portal vein (Rr-R) were measured, respectively, and compared with the resectable bile duct length in HCs. Surgicopathologic findings were compared between different BC types. RESULTS: The resectable bile duct length in right hemihepatectomy for eradication of type IV tumors was significantly longer than the Rl-L length in normal biliary configuration (17.4 ± 1.8 and 10.3 ± 3.4 mm, respectively, p < 0.001), and type III variation (B2 joining the common trunk of B3 and B4) was the predominant configuration (53.8%). The resectable length in left hemihepatectomy for eradication of type IV tumors was comparable with the Rr-R length in RHD absent cases (15.2 ± 2.5 and 16.4 ± 2.6 mm, respectively, p = 0.177) but significantly longer than that in normal configuration (p < 0.001). The estimated length was 8.5 ± 2.0 mm in unresectable cases. There was no significant difference between type III and IV tumors, except for the rate of nodal metastasis (29.7 and 76.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hemihepatectomy might be selected for curative-intent resection of BC type IV tumors considering the advantageous biliary variations, whereas anatomical trisegmentectomy is recommended for the resectable bile duct length less than 10 mm. Biliary variations might result in excessive classification of BC type IV but require validation on further study.

Optimal line of hepatotomy for left lateral living donor liver transplantation according to the anatomical variations of left hepatic duct system.

Multiple duct anastomoses during LLS transplantation increase the incidence of biliary complications. The optimal plane of hepatotomy that results in the least number of bile ducts at the surface was investigated according to LHD variations. Ducts of 30 human livers were injected with resin and LHD branching on 3D-CT reconstructions were analyzed. Ducts on the virtual hepatotomy surface were estimated in three splitting lines. Variations with subtypes were described. Ia (66.7%): ducts from segments (S.) II-III form a common trunk and S.IV duct joins it. Ib (10%): common trunk formed by ducts from S.II-S.III while S.IV duct joins the common hepatic duct. IIa (16.67%): S.IV duct drains into S.III duct. IIc (3.33%): S.IV duct drains into both S.II and S.III ducts. III (3.33%): trifurcation of S.II, S.III and S.IV ducts. When the virtual hepatotomy line was on the FL, there was a single duct for the anastomosis in 30% of cases but two, three, or four ducts in 53.3%, 10%, and 3.3%, respectively. Division 1 cm to the right of the FL resulted in one duct (70%), but S.IV duct injury may occur. LLS hepatotomy should not necessarily be performed along the FL. Variations must be taken into consideration to minimize the number of biliary anastomoses during liver implantation.

Trígono cistohepático: área crítica anatómica para la seguridad quirúrgica / Trigonum cystohepaticum: critical anatomical area for surgical safety

El conocimiento de la anatomía de la vía biliar y sus variantes para la realización de una cirugía segura, resulta fundamental. La extirpación de la vesícula requiere cuidadosa atención, conocer muy bien la anatomía de la región, teniendo en cuenta la posibilidad de variaciones anatómicas. La mala interpretación de la anatomía percibida más que una falta en la destreza técnica es la causa de la lesión de la vía biliar durante la colecistectomía. Diferenciar el límite y el contenido del trígono cistohepático. Diseñar las áreas de Visión Crítica y de Seguridad como medida de seguridad en el paciente quirúrgico. Revisión de 458 partes quirúrgicos de colecistectomías de enero/2010 a octubre/2012, en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Aeronáutico Central, y disección de 12 cadáveres adultos formolizados al 10% en la III Cátedra de Anatomía - Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires. De 458 colecistectomías, se clasificaron los partes quirúrgicos, dividiéndose según menciona: triángulo de Calot en 247 (53,93%); triángulo hepatocístico en 59 (12,88%); área de visión crítica en 152 (33,18%); ninguno mencionó al triángulo de Budde o trígono cistohepático. Se disecaron 12 cadáveres adultos donde se identificó: arteria cística originándose de arteria hepática derecha en 9 (75%); originándose de arteria hepática izquierda en 2 (16,66%) y originándose de arteria hepática en 1 (8,34%). En 7 (58,35%) se la visualiza en trígono cistohepático. El conocimiento de la anatomía de la vía biliar y sus variantes para la realización de una cirugía segura, resulta fundamental. El triángulo descrito por Calot corresponde a la mitad inferior del triángulo descrito por Buddé. El sector lateral (Triangulo de Seguridad) es el verdadero área de visión critica a disecar por la menor probabilidad de lesionar estructuras nobles.

Knowing the anatomy of the bile duct and its anatomical variations becomes essential to safely perform any surgery. Gallbladder resection requires careful attention: knowing the region's anatomy by heart and taking into account the possibility of anatomical variations. Misunderstanding the anatomy is not only a failure in technical ability but also a cause of injury to the bile duct during a cholescystectomy. The objectives of this study were, to distinguish the boundaries and content of the trigonum cystohepaticum. Furthermore, to design the areas of Safety and Critical Vision as a safety measure for the patient undergoing surgery. Analysis of 458 surgical reports on cholecystectomies performed from January 2010 to October 2012 by the Hospital Aeronáutico's General Surgery Department, and dissection of 12 adult cadavers preserved in a 10% formalin solution at the IIIrd Chair of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. From 458 cholecystectomies, surgical reports were classified as mentioning: Calot triangle, 247 (53.93%); cystohepatic triangle, 59 (12.88%); critical vision area, 152 (33.18%). None of them mentioned Buddé triangle or trigonum cystohepaticum. Twelve adult cadavers were dissected in which we identified the cystic artery: originating from right hepatic artery, 9 (75%); originating from left hepatic artery, 2 (16.66%); and originating from hepatic artery, 1 (8.34%). Trigonum cystohepaticum is observed in 7 cadavers (58.35%). Knowing the anatomy of the bile duct and its anatomical variations becomes essential to safely perform any surgery. The triangle described by Calot is the lower half of the triangle described by Buddé. The lateral portion (Safety Triangle) is the area of critical vision to be dissected due to the lower probability of injuring noble structures.

Clinical significance of anatomical variant of the left hepatic artery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma applied to right-sided hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Full understanding of the hilar anatomy is crucial for successful surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). METHODS: The three-dimensional positional relationship between the left hepatic artery (LHA) and the umbilical portion of the left portal vein (UP) was evaluated using multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) in 58 consecutive patients who underwent right-sided hepatectomy for Bismuth-Corlette IIIa or IV tumors. The positional relationship of the LHA related to UP was classified into the following three types: L-UP type, LHA runs into the left lateral section (LLS) from the left caudal side of the UP; R-UP type, LHA runs into the LLS from the right cranial side of the UP; and combined type, one branch of the LHA runs into the LLS from the right cranial side of the UP, and the other from the left caudal side of the UP. RESULTS: L-UP-type LHA was observed in 53 cases (91.4 %), R-UP type in three cases (5.2 %), and combined type in two cases (3.4 %). No cancer involvement of the LHA was seen in any cases with L-UP type. In one case with R-UP type (one of three; 33.3 %) and one case with combined type (one of two, 50 %), cancer invasion to the LHA was observed at the right side of the UP, requiring combined resection of the involved LHA. CONCLUSIONS: R-UP-type LHA running just along the left hepatic duct may be easily involved by right-side predominant PHC when extending to the left hepatic duct. Hepatobiliary surgeons should recognize this anatomical variant and carefully evaluate the running courses of LHA to successfully perform R0 resection in right-sided hepatectomy for PHC.

The cystohepatic septum: anatomical findings and surgical considerations.

INTRODUCTION: The cystohepatic septum (CHS) is located at the interface between the cystic duct and the common hepatic duct. Although its presence may have clinical and surgical implications, the CHS has never been morphologically studied. AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence and anatomic characteristics of the cystohepatic septum. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study of 50 cadaveric dissections was performed. The prevalence and anatomic characteristics of the CHS were analyzed. The cystohepatic junction (CHJ) was characterized from two perspectives. The "external CHJ" was defined as the apparent junction of the cystic duct with the common hepatic duct, as viewed from an extraluminal perspective. The "internal CHJ" was defined as the actual junction of the cystic duct lumen with the common hepatic duct lumen, that is, from the intraluminal perspective. In addition to measuring the length of the CHS, the location of the external and internal CHJ along the length of the extrahepatic biliary tract was classified into three zones (proximal, middle, and distal). RESULTS: A CHS was identified in 21 cases (42%). The average length was 12 mm. In these 21 cases, the external CHJ was located in the middle zone of the extrahepatic biliary tract in 15 (71%) patients, the proximal zone in 3 (14%), and the distal zone in 3 (14%), while the internal CHJ was located downstream in relation to the length of CHS. CONCLUSIONS: A CHS of variable length was identified in a large percentage of cadaveric dissections. This finding has important implications for surgical interventions on the biliary tract such as choledochotomy for common bile duct exploration, transcystic bile duct exploration, or bilioenteric anastomosis. The presence of a CHS may also represent an anatomic factor predisposing to Mirizzi's syndrome.

Complete biliary obstruction without jaundice due to an anatomic variation.

An aberrant right posterior hepatic duct is present in 4.8-8.4% of the population. It is one of the causes of bile duct injury during laparascopic cholecystectomy. Herein we present a patient with complete transection of the common hepatic duct during laparascopic cholecystectomy (Stewart-Way class 3). Interestingly, the patient had an intact aberrant right posterior duct draining into the common hepatic duct distal to the obstruction site that prevented early diagnosis of the biliary injury because of drainage of the liver sufficient to prevent the development of jaundice.

Calot's triangle.

Calot's triangle is an anatomical landmark of special value in cholecystectomy. First described by Jean-François Calot as an "isosceles" triangle in his doctoral thesis in 1891, this anatomical space requires careful dissection before the ligation and division of the cystic artery and cystic duct during cholecystectomy. The modern definition of the boundaries of Calot's triangle varies from Calot's original description, although the exact timing of this change is not entirely clear. The structures within Calot's triangle and their anatomical relationships can present the surgeon with difficulties, particularly when anatomical variations are encountered. Sound knowledge of the normal anatomy of the extrahepatic biliary tract and vasculature, as well as understanding of congenital variation, is thus essential in the prevention of iatrogenic injury. The authors describe the normal anatomy of Calot's triangle and common anatomical anomalies. The incidence of structural injury is discussed, and new techniques in surgery for enhancing the visualisation of Calot's triangle are reviewed. © .

Anatomic variations of extrahepatic bile ducts and evaluation of the length of ducts composing the cystohepatic triangle / Variaciones anatómicas de los ductos biliares extrahepáticos y longitud de los ductos del trígono hepato-cístico

It is of paramount importance for surgeons to have a thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy of the extrahepatic bile ducts and its variations due to the high frequency with which they perform in this anatomic site. The cystohepatic triangle, or Calot's Triangle, is bound by the cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and the hepatic border; therefore, its surface area depends on the conformation of these ducts and is closely linked to surgical procedures performed in this region. It has been reported that the length and the position of these ducts may be related to the formation of bile duct stones, Mirizzi's syndrome, and bile duct cancer. Thus, the present work aims to analyze the configuration of the extrahepatic biliary tree and its possible variations, as well as measure the components that make up the cystohepatic triangle. For this task 41 samples from fixated human cadavers were analyzed, with 25 consisting of anatomic parts (liver and biliary tree) and 16 in situ samples. The extrahepatic biliary trees were dissected in order to measure the length of the common hepatic and cystic ducts with a digital caliper, and all anatomic variations were registered. The length of the common hepatic duct varied between 4.18 mm and 50.64 mm, with an average of 21.76 +/- 9.51 mm. The length of the cystic duct varied between 7.28 and 38.88 mm, with an average of 19.11 +/- 6.77 mm. Anatomic variations were found in 3 samples (7.3 percent): in one of them the cystic duct connected to the left hepatic duct; in another, the cystic duct connected to the right hepatic duct; in the third, there was a triple confluence of hepatic ducts (two right ducts and one left duct). The results are a contribution to the clinical and surgical anatomy of this region.

El conocimiento de la anatomía normal de las vías biliares extrahepáticas y sus variaciones es fundamental para los cirujanos digestivos debido a la frecuencia con que se actúa en esa región. El trígono hepato-cístico o de Calot es delimitado por el ducto cístico, ducto hepático común y el margen del hígado. De este modo, su área depende de la conformación de esos ductos y está íntimamente relacionada a procedimientos quirúrgicos efectuados en esa zona. Se ha señalado que la longitud y la disposición de esos ductos estarían involucradas en la formación de cálculos biliares, síndrome de Mirizzi y neoplasias de vías biliares. Así, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la configuración de las vías biliares extrahepáticas y sus posibles variaciones, además de registrar parámetros métricos de los componentes del sistema biliar que integran el trígono hepato-cístico. Para el estudio se utilizaron 41 muestras de cadáveres formolizados de individuos adultos, siendo 25 piezas anatómicas (de hígado y vías biliares) y 16 in situ. Las vías biliares fueron disecadas, esquematizadas y fotografiadas, se registró la longitud del ducto hepático común y cístico con un caliper digital. La longitud promedio del ducto hepático común fue de 21,76 +/- 9,51 mm, variando de 4,18 mm a 50,64 mm; la longitud promedio del ducto cístico fue de 19,11 +/- 6,77 mm, variando de 7,28 a 38,88 mm. Se observaron variaciones en 3 muestras (7,3 por ciento), en una de ellas, el ducto cístico se unió al ducto hepático izquierdo, en otra, el ducto cístico se unió al ducto hepático derecho y en la otra muestra, se presentó una confluencia triple de ductos hepáticos, dos derechos y uno izquierdo. Los resultados obtenidos son un aporte a la anatomía clínica y quirúrgica de la región.

Unique origin of the cystic artery.

The cystic artery (CA) is known to exhibit variations in its origin and branching pattern. This is attributed to the developmental changes occurring in the primitive ventral splanchnic arteries. During routine dissection of a male cadaver, we observed that the CA originated from the middle hepatic artery (MHA) at a distance of about 1 cm from its origin, and the MHA originated from the right hepatic artery at a distance of 2.1 cm from its origin. The CA traversed for a distance of 1.5 cm, giving off a branch to the cystic duct. It then passed anterior to the cystic duct. The origin of the CA was located to the left of the common hepatic duct, outside the Calot's triangle. The topographical anatomy of the arterial system of the hepatobiliary region and their anomalous origin should be considered during hepatobiliary surgeries. This knowledge is also important for interventional radiologists in routine clinical practice.

[The variation of hepatic duct confluence and asymptomatic common bile duct stone with routine intraoperative cholangiogram during laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been used to evaluate bile duct stone. But, the routine use of IOC remains controversial. With routine IOC during LC, we reviewed the variation of hepatic duct confluence and try to suggest the diagnostic criteria of asymptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stone. METHODS: We reviewed the medical record of 970 consecutive patients who underwent LC with IOC from January 1999 to December 2009, retrospectively. RESULTS: Nine hundered seventy patients were enrolled. IOC were successful in 957 (98.7%) and unsuccessful in 13 (1.3%). Eighty two of 957 patients (8.2%) were excluded because of no or poor radiologic image. According to Couinaud's classification, 492 patients (56.2%) had type A hepatic duct confluence, 227 patients (26.1%) type B, 15 patients (17%) type C1, 43 patients (4.9%) type C2, 72 patients (8.2%) type D1, 21 patients (2.4%) type D2, 1 patient (0.1%) type E1, 1 patient (0.1%) type E2, 2 patients (0.2%) type F, and 1 patient (0.1%) no classified type. The CBD stone was found in 116 of 970 (12.2%) patients. In 281 patients, preoperative serologic and radiologic tests did not show abnormality. When preoperative findings were not remarkable, there was no difference of clinical features between patients with or without CBD stones. CONCLUSIONS: Although IOC during LC has some demerits, it is a safe and accurate method for the detection of CBD stone and the anatomic variation of intrahepatic duct.

The Variation of Hepatic Duct Confluence and Asymptomatic Common Bile Duct Stone with Routine Intraoperative Cholangiogram during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been used to evaluate bile duct stone. But, the routine use of IOC remains controversial. With routine IOC during LC, we reviewed the variation of hepatic duct confluence and try to suggest the diagnostic criteria of asymptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stone. METHODS: We reviewed the medical record of 970 consecutive patients who underwent LC with IOC from January 1999 to December 2009, retrospectively. RESULTS: Nine hundered seventy patients were enrolled. IOC were successful in 957 (98.7%) and unsuccessful in 13 (1.3%). Eighty two of 957 patients (8.2%) were excluded because of no or poor radiologic image. According to Couinaud's classification, 492 patients (56.2%) had type A hepatic duct confluence, 227 patients (26.1%) type B, 15 patients (17%) type C1, 43 patients (4.9%) type C2, 72 patients (8.2%) type D1, 21 patients (2.4%) type D2, 1 patient (0.1%) type E1, 1 patient (0.1%) type E2, 2 patients (0.2%) type F, and 1 patient (0.1%) no classified type. The CBD stone was found in 116 of 970 (12.2%) patients. In 281 patients, preoperative serologic and radiologic tests did not show abnormality. When preoperative findings were not remarkable, there was no difference of clinical features between patients with or without CBD stones. CONCLUSIONS: Although IOC during LC has some demerits, it is a safe and accurate method for the detection of CBD stone and the anatomic variation of intrahepatic duct.

Right anterior segmental hepatic duct emptying directly into the cystic duct in a living donor.

A 35-year-old mother was scheduled to be the living donor for liver transplantation to her second son, who suffered from biliary atresia complicated with biliary cirrhosis at the age of 2 years. The operative plan was to recover the left lateral segment of the mother's liver for living donor transplantation. With the use of cholangiography at the time of surgery, we found the right anterior segmental duct (RASD) emptying directly into the cystic duct, and the catheter passed into the RASD. After repairing the incision in the cystic duct, transplantation was successfully performed. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Biliary anatomical variations were frequently encountered, however, this variation has very rarely been reported. If the RASD was divided, the repair would be very difficult because the duct will not dilate sufficiently in an otherwise healthy donor. Meticulous preoperative evaluation of the living donor's biliary anatomy, especially using magnetic resonance cholangiography and careful intraoperative techniques, is important to prevent bile duct injury and avoid the risk to the healthy donor.

Morphine- and glucagon-augmented magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to evaluate living liver donors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the combined use of intravenous morphine and intramuscular glucagon in improving magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) image quality in donors for living-related liver transplantation. Sixteen healthy donor candidates underwent an MRCP study. Coronal, single-shot, fast spin-echo, heavily T2-weighted dynamic MRCP images were obtained before and 3 minutes after the intravenous administration of morphine HCl with a dose of 0.04 mg/kg. Thirty minutes after the injection of morphine, intramuscular glucagon was used. Another MRCP image of the same pulse sequence was generated 15 minutes after the injection of glucagon with a dose of 1 mg. The diameter, signal intensity, and number of branches of bile ducts in MRCP images taken immediately before and after the injection of morphine and after the injection of glucagon (plus delayed morphine effects) were compared and analyzed. In all 16 donor candidates, the diameters of the right and left hepatic ducts, common bile duct, and main pancreatic duct were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the MRCP images taken 3 minutes after the injection of morphine and 15 minutes after the injection of glucagon (plus delayed morphine effects) in comparison with MRCP images taken before any drug administration. The qualitative grading scores of the signal intensity and order of branches of bile ducts revealed improvements in the MRCP images after the injection of glucagon (plus delayed morphine effects; P < 0.05). In conclusion, combining the intravenous administration of low-dose morphine and the intramuscular use of glucagon before MRCP examination improves the visualization of the nondilated biliary ductal anatomy, which is important for the preoperative biliary evaluation of donor candidates for living-related liver transplantation.