Laparoscopic visualization of the cystic artery anatomy

Aberrant anatomy in the context of the critical view of safety

BACKGROUND

The protective impact of the Critical View of Safety (CVS) approach on the vasculo-biliary injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) depends largely upon the understanding of the normal and variant anatomy. Structures exposed during the acquisition of the CVS can deviate from the typical dual configuration of the cystic duct and artery (gallbladder pedicle) representing either a third (supernumerary) or atypical in course (heterotopic) element. The aim of this study was to determine the identity and the frequency of these anatomical elements and to propose anatomic schemata that can guide the achievement of CVS by surgeons.

METHOD

Fourteen anatomic elements that can be encountered during LC were defined by members of the Hellenic task force on the typology of safe cholecystectomy using a literature review and expert consensus. Videos of 279 LCs performed for biliary colic were reviewed noting the presence of a third and or heterotopic anatomic element. In 108 LCs these elements were sought also intraoperatively. A CVS score according to Sanford and Strasberg was assigned to each video.

RESULTS

The normal configuration of the gallbladder pedicle was present in 233 cases (83.51%). A third element was detected in 42 cases (15.05%) and was arterial in 41 cases and biliary in 1 case. A heterotopic course concerned exclusively the cystic artery in 24 cases (8.6%). Neither of these two variant patterns compromised achievement of the CVS during LC. CVS scores improved with the addition of intraoperative assessment.

CONCLUSION

Typical and aberrant anatomy of LC was defined and anatomic schemata proposed to help the surgeon better understand aberrant anatomy and confidently and safely handle any encountered element that deviates from the normal configuration of the gallbladder pedicle during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Surgical anatomy of the cystic artery: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The current evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis presents a detailed overview of the cystic artery (CA) surgical anatomy, including its origin, number, topography, and morphometry. Moreover, the surgical implications of these variants are further discussed.

METHODS

According to the Evidence-Based Anatomy Workgroup and PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the systematic review was performed using four online databases. The Anatomical Quality Assurance Tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed with the R programming software. The pooled prevalence and pooled mean of different CA parameters were calculated.

RESULTS

The CA most commonly originated from the right hepatic artery (a pooled prevalence of 85.75 %). Other described origins (in order of frequency) were the aberrant right hepatic artery, the common hepatic, the left hepatic, the gastroduodenal, the superior mesenteric, and the middle hepatic arteries. The CA was single in 88.59 %, while it can be identified as double, triple, or absent. Most commonly, it was located inside the cystohepatic triangle in 83.83 %. Most commonly, it was superomedially to the cystic duct (77.80 %) and posteriorly to the common hepatic duct (35.08 %). The CA pooled mean length was 21.34 mm, and its diameter was more commonly over 1 mm.

CONCLUSION

The CA surgical anatomy is paramount when operating on the gallbladder. The CA's altered anatomy and adjacent area could lead to confusion, iatrogenic injury, and prolonged surgical time. The CA depicts high morphological variability; therefore, surgeons should consider the typical anatomy and possible (usual and unusual) variants.

Double Cystic Artery Originating From the Superior Mesenteric Artery and Right Hepatic Artery: A Case Report

The cystic artery is a critical anatomical landmark in both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. This report presents a unique case involving two rare anatomical variations: double cystic arteries, along with a superficial branch originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) - a previously unreported combination with significant clinical and surgical implications. Unlike earlier studies, this research provides detailed anatomical and embryological insights supported by high-quality imaging and illustrations to guide surgeons in recognizing and managing this novel variation. The cadaver examined in this study was donated to the Griffith University School of Medicine for medical education and research. A macroscopic examination was conducted to identify anatomical variations and elucidate the relationships between the atypical cystic artery and surrounding abdominal structures. The typical cystic artery originated from the right hepatic artery, passing posterior to the common hepatic duct within the hepatocystic triangle to supply the superomedial (dorsal/deep) surface of the gallbladder. An accessory cystic artery (100 mm long, 2.5 mm in diameter) originated 35 mm distal to the SMA origin, with a retro-pancreatic and sub-hepatocystic course, bifurcating to supply the cystic duct and the inferolateral (superficial) surface of the gallbladder. This configuration, resembling an aberrant right hepatic artery in size and position, poses heightened risks of bleeding and injury during laparoscopic hepatoduodenal ligament dissection, duodenal mobilization, and in the presence of pancreatic inflammatory or neoplastic processes. By addressing a significant gap in the literature, this study advances both anatomical knowledge and surgical safety. Understanding such variations can significantly improve the safety and efficacy of cholecystectomies and other hepatobiliary, duodenal, and pancreatic surgical procedures. In select cases, preoperative imaging such as computed tomography angiography and collaboration with radiologists can aid in detecting vascular anomalies and guiding surgical planning.

Anatomical Schemata Revealed by the Critical View of Safety Approach: A Proposal of the Hellenic Task Force on the Typology of Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (HETALCHO)

Background and objectives: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed operation in general surgery in the Western World. Gallbladder surgery, although most of the time simple, always offers the possibility of unpleasant surprises. Despite progress, the incidence of common bile duct injury is 0.2-0.4%, causing devastating implications for the patient and the surgeon. This is mainly due to the failure to identify the normal anatomy properly. The literature review reveals a lack of structured knowledge in the surgical anatomy of cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to develop a framework with a common anatomical language for safe laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: The Hellenic Task Force group on the typology for Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy performed a critical review of the literature on the laparoscopic anatomy of cholecystectomy. The results were compared with those of a clinical study of 279 patients undergoing LC for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease. Results: Fourteen elements encountered during LC under the critical view of safety (CVS) approach were determined. The typical vascular-biliary pedicle with one cystic duct distributed laterally (or caudally) and one cystic artery medially (or cranially) lying at any point of the hepatocystic space was found in 66% of the cases studied. Anatomical schemata were formulated corresponding to the norm and four variations. Conclusions: The proposed cognitive anatomical schemata summarize simply what one can expect in terms of deviation from the norm. We believe that the synergy between the correct application of the CVS and the structured knowledge of the surgical anatomy in cholecystectomy helps the surgeon to handle non-typical structures safely and to complete the laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy without vascular-biliary injuries.

Moynihan's hump of the right hepatic artery in Calot's triangle: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its incidence and surgical importance

INTRODUCTION

A rare variation known as "Moynihan's or caterpillar hump" of the right hepatic artery raises the danger of vascular and biliary injuries during hepatobiliary surgery. This research intends to carefully record every case (i.e., patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or cadaver dissections) where the right hepatic artery received a caterpillar hump.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted with the medical subject headings (MeSH) and EMTREE (subject headings unique to Embase) keywords. The keywords with Boolean operators (OR, AND, and NOT) were used to create search strings in all possible combinations to retrieve bibliographic data. Two authors independently performed a risk of bias assessment and data extraction. The random effects model was used to conduct a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty studies with a total of 8418 subjects reported that Moynihan's hump was present in 3.81% of them, with a predictive interval of 0.88-16.45%. The incidence of the hump was 3.1% in surgical studies (7496 subjects) and 7.22% (95% CI 4.7-10.93%) in cadaveric data (625 cadavers). Only ten studies addressed the relationship between the caterpillar hump and the common bile duct.

CONCLUSION

A patient with an unusually "small cystic artery" or "large right hepatic artery" is likely to have a "caterpillar hump". The caterpillar's hump of the right hepatic artery is subject to rare anatomical variations in its course that increase the risk of incorrect vessel ligation or injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Moynihan's Lump as an unusual variant of right hepatic artery during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy approach. A case report

Introduction and importance

One of the most important measures during the cholecystectomy procedure is based on a “Culture for Safe Cholecystectomy (CSC)”. Vascular injury reports an open surgery conversion rate of 0 to 1.9% and a mortality of less than 0.02%. The caterpillar or Moynihan's hump configuration is characterized by a tortuous right hepatic artery (RHA) running proximal and/or parallel to the cystic duct and predisposes to a small and/or short cystic artery (CA).

Case presentation

A 65-year-old woman with no relevant clinical history underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for cholelithiasis; during the procedure a caterpillar or Moynihan's hump was identified.

Clinical discussion

Anatomical variations represent 20-50% of all cases; therefore, CVS is required. The incidence of caterpillar or Moynihan's hump varies between 1% and 13% of all cases. To date, the scientific literature on this topic is limited. The most accepted etiology is related to embryological formation.

Conclusion

Biliary and arterial variations are more frequent than we think, so an anatomical knowledge, CSC and CVS represent a fundamental rule, increasing the safety of the surgical procedure.

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This is a reminder of how variant the anatomy of the biliary tree can be.

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Anatomical variations could increase the risk of inadvertent injury during LC.

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The certainty of a safe cholecystectomy is of great importance.

Anaotmical variability in the position of cystic artery during laparoscopic visualization

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic view of extrahepatic biliary tract and cystic artery is different anatomically from open approach. Consequently iatrogenic injuries due to inadverent damage to cystic artery are not uncommon. These complications can be prevented by careful dissection in Calots triangle and better knowledge of laparoscopic anatomy of cystic artery and its variations. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of variation in position of cystic artery in relation to cystic duct. This will help identify the safe area for dissecting peritoneum in Calots triangle and thus help young surgeons overcome the long learning curve associated with laparoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a 10 year period from January 2009 to January 2019, 1850 laparoscopic cholecystectomies that were performed at a tertiary care hospital were studied. Patients with history of previous abdominal surgery were excluded from the study. Cystic artery was divided into four groups based on its relative position to cystic duct. It includes superomedial, superolateral, anterior and absent cystic artery relative to the cystic duct.

RESULTS

Out of 1850 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1676 (90.59%) patients had cystic artery superomedial to cystic duct and 96 (5.19%) had a cystic artery at superolateral position to cystic duct. In 48 (2.59%) patients it was found anterior to cystic duct and in 30 (1.62%) patients it was absent.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the most common position of cystic artery is superomedial while the least common position was found to be anterior to cystic duct. Hence it is postulated that blind dissection from anterior side is the safest approach to avoid injury to cystic artery.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy With Medial Segment Artery Mimicking Cystic Artery

Introduction

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis. However, LC is associated with a slightly higher rate of complications than laparotomy. To perform a safe LC, it is important to exercise caution regarding an abnormal course for the hepatic artery, although the incidence itself is low. Here, we report a rare case of LC in which the medial segment artery mimicked cystic artery. To the best of our knowledge, such a case has not yet been reported.

Case Presentation

A 35-year-old man visited our hospital with a complaint of epigastric pain. The symptom had continued for 2 months. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed cholelithiasis. Magnetic resonance imaging did not show any biliary abnormalities. The patient was scheduled for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. At the time of surgery, the gallbladder was slightly inflamed. After dissection of the Calot triangle, the cystic duct and a single large artery were identified. Although the critical view of safety was confirmed at first glance, dissection of periarterial adhesions revealed that the artery ran into the medial segment of the liver. Further dissection revealed short double cystic arteries branching from the aberrant artery. After the confirmation of the abnormal course of the arteries, the operation was performed safely without arterial injury. The patient made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged 3 days after operation.

Conclusion

The knowledge of the anatomy of the cystic artery and careful dissection are an important aspect in achieving a complication-free LC.

The Development of an Online Standalone Cognitive Hazard Training for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Feasibility Study

INTRODUCTION

In the UK, surgical training is under pressure due to reductions in training time and training opportunities, which pose patient safety risks. Cognitive, nontechnical, training has been suggested as a possible solution inspired by the identified benefits in aviation industry. A recent review article highlighted the need for such training despite its high cost and the need for expert trainers.

AIM

This study aimed to design and test the feasibility of an online standalone module to address the current gap in cognitive surgical training.

METHOD

An online standalone, Cognitive Hazard Training module for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was created. It combined multiple choice questions, extended matching items, and single-line free text questions. It contained relevant sketch images and real life hazards video clips, highlighting potential mistakes to enhance: Safety knowledge, reduce bias, and improve self-limitation awareness. Two experts were invited to validate the prototype before testing its feasibility in one English Deanery training environment.

RESULTS

In total 93 candidates signed up to review the training. However only 47 (50%) later participated and 33 completed the Module. Those included 3 juniors, 20 higher trainees, and 10 consultants. Candidates' answers were quantitatively analysed. Qualitative feedback was also collected from 27 candidates, via semi-structured interviews. The overall feedback from the feasibility study was positive. Results supported this online resource value in enhancing knowledge and awareness. Interview data also suggested the module's potential to change trainees' practice by being more cautious and adhering to the safety steps of dissection.

DISCUSSION

This new training module overcomes some of the previously reported problems in surgical cognitive training. It is a stand-alone online resource with low running cost and does not require expert trainers. The feasibility study supported the aim to enhance hazard awareness and create an attitude shift towards adherence to safety steps during the procedure.

The unwanted third wheel in the Calot's triangle: Incidence and surgical significance of caterpillar hump of right hepatic artery with a systematic review of the literature

Background:

Caterpillar hump of the right hepatic artery is a rare variation increasing the risk of vascular and biliary injuries during hepatobiliary surgery. The aim of this study is to record the cases of the right hepatic artery forming caterpillar hump in a cohort of patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to report a review of the literature systematically conducted.

Methods:

We reviewed clinical and surgical video data of 230 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2016 and August 2017. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Ovid databases until 30^th June 2017 was also performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Results:

Our institutional data indicated that 1.3% of 230 patients presented caterpillar hump right hepatic artery. The systematic review included 16 studies reporting data from a total of 498 human cadavers and 579 patients submitted to cholecystectomy. The overall proportion of surgical patients with the caterpillar hump right hepatic artery was 6.9%.

Conclusions:

Variations of the cystic artery are not just an anatomical dissertation, assuming a very crucial role in surgical strategies to avoid uncontrolled vascular lesions. A meticulous knowledge of the hepatobiliary triangle in association with all elements of ‘Culture of Safety in Cholecystectomy’ is mandatory for surgeons facing more than two structures within Calot's triangle.

Sealing of the cystic and appendix arteries with monopolar electrocautery during laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy

The best method to ligate the arteries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendectomy remains controversy. The aim of this study is to introduce a new approach during laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy using a monopolar electrocautery to seal the cystic and appendix arteries. We retrospectively reviewed data from 57 patients who underwent laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy between December 2006 and June 2016. Each laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy was performed by coagulating and sealing the cystic and appendix arteries. Absorbable clip or coils were then used to ligate the proximal of cystic duct and the stump of appendix. The other side of the cystic duct and appendix which subsequently were to be removed from abdomen were used titanium clips or silk ligature. Of the 57 patients, 3 patients (5.3%) were converted to open surgery due to severe abdominal adhesions or gallbladder perforation. The mean operative time was 56 minutes (range, 40-80 minutes). Mean blood loss was 12 mL (range, 5-120 mL), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.0 days (range, 2-5 days). No postoperative bleeding, biliary leakage, infection, or mortality occurred. Monopolar electrocautery to seal the cystic and appendix arteries is a safe, effective, and economical surgical procedure during laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are required to validate our findings.

Cystic Artery: Morphological Study and Surgical Significance

The cystic artery is the key structure sought to be clipped or ligated during laparoscopic or conventional cholecystectomy. The possible complications like hemorrhage or hepatobiliary injury are always centered on the search, dissection, and clipping or ligation of the cystic artery, many a time because of possibility of variations in its course and relations to the biliary ducts. This descriptive study was carried out to document the normal anatomy and different variations of the cystic artery to contribute to improve surgical safety. This study conducted on 82 cadavers revealed cystic artery with mean length of 16.9 mm (ranged between 2 mm and 55 mm) and mean diameter of 1.6 mm (range between 1 mm and 5 mm). The origin of cystic artery from celiac right hepatic artery was found in 79.3% and in the remaining 20.7% it was replaced. Single cystic artery was present in 72% and double cystic artery in 28%. Considering the site of origin of the cystic artery with reference to Calot's triangle, it was observed within the triangle in 62.2% and outside it in 37.8%. All the cystic arteries passed through Calot's triangle except for 3.6%. The cystic artery crossed the common hepatic duct anteriorly in 26.8% and posteriorly in 6.1%. It crossed common bile duct anteriorly in 1.2% and posteriorly in 3.7%. The knowledge of such variations and its awareness will decrease morbidity and help to keep away from a number of surgical complications during cholecystectomy.

The clinical anatomy of cystic artery variations: a review of over 9800 cases

PURPOSE

While laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be a routine procedure when biliary anatomy is normally located, cystic artery variations can easily disorientate the inexperienced surgeon to the anatomy of the hepatobiliary triangle. This study presents the clinically important anatomical variations of the cystic artery.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar databases were searched to conduct a review of the existing English literature on the clinically important cystic artery variations. An aberrant vessel was defined as a vessel that originated from an atypical source and/or one that was present in a specimen in addition to the normal vessel.

RESULTS

The cystic artery originated typically from the right hepatic artery (79.02 %) and was found in the hepatobiliary triangle in only 5427 of 6661 (81.5 %) cases. Clinically important cystic artery variations are (1) the cystic artery located anterior to the common hepatic duct or common bile duct found in 485 of 2704 (17.9 %) and 228 of 4202 (5.4 %) of cases, respectively, (2) the cystic artery located inferior to the cystic duct found in 38 of 770 (4.9 %) of cases, (3) short cystic arteries found in 98 of 1037 (9.5 %) cases and (4) multiple cystic arteries found in (8.9 %) of cases.

CONCLUSION

These variations are common in the general population and can lead to inadvertent ligation of biliary ducts or aberrant vessels. Therefore, it is important for the hepatobiliary surgeon to be aware of these vascular anomalies to avoid operative complications.

Anatomy of the Murine Hepatobiliary System: A Whole-Organ-Level Analysis Using a Transparency Method

The biliary tract is a well-branched ductal structure that exhibits great variation in morphology among vertebrates. Its function is maintained by complex constructions of blood vessels, nerves, and smooth muscles, the so-called hepatobiliary system. Although the mouse (Mus musculus) has been used as a model organism for humans, the morphology of its hepatobiliary system has not been well documented at the topographical level, mostly because of its small size and complexity. To reconcile this, we conducted whole-mount anatomical descriptions of the murine extrahepatic biliary tracts with related blood vessels, nerves, and smooth muscles using a recently developed transparentizing method, CUBIC. Several major differences from humans were found in mice: (1) among the biliary arteries, the arteria gastrica sinistra accessoria was commonly found, which rarely appears in humans; (2) the sphincter muscle in the choledochoduodenal junction is unseparated from the duodenal muscle; (3) the pancreatic duct opens to the bile duct without any sphincter muscles because of its distance from the duodenum. This state is identical to a human congenital malformation, an anomalous arrangement of pancreaticobiliary ducts. However, other parts of the murine hepatobiliary system (such as the branching patterns of the biliary tract, blood vessels, and nerves) presented the same patterns as humans and other mammals topologically. Thus, the mouse is useful as an experimental model for studying the human hepatobiliary system.

Feasibility of liver graft procurement with donor gallbladder preservation in living donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Cholecystectomy is routinely performed at most transplant centers during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of liver graft procurement with donor gallbladder preservation in LDLT.

METHODS

Eighty-nine LDLTs (from June 2006 to Dec 2012) were retrospectively analyzed at our hospital. The surgical approach for liver graft procurement with donor gallbladder preservation was assessed, and the anatomy of the cystic artery, the morphology and contractibility of the preserved gallbladder, postoperative symptoms, and vascular and biliary complications were compared among donors with or without gallbladder preservation.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight donors (15 right and 13 left-liver grafts) successfully underwent liver graft procurement with gallbladder preservation. Among the 15 right lobectomy donors, for 12 cases (80.0 %) the cystic artery originated from right hepatic artery. From the left hepatic artery and proper hepatic artery accounted for 6.7 % (1/15), respectively. Postoperative symptoms among these 28 donors were slight, although donors with cholecystectomy often complained of fatty food aversion, dyspepsia, and diarrhea during an average follow-up of 58.6 (44-78) months. The morphology and contractibility of the preserved gallbladders were comparable with normal status; the rate of contraction was 53.8 and 76.7 %, respectively, 30 and 60 min after ingestion of a fatty meal. Biliary and vascular complications among donors and recipients, irrespective of gallbladder preservation, were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that for donors compliant with anatomical requirements, liver graft procurement with gallbladder preservation for the donor is feasible and safe. The preserved gallbladder was assessed as functioning well and postoperative symptoms as a result of cholecystectomy were significantly reduced during long-term follow-up.

Assessment and classification of cystic arteries with 64-detector row computed tomography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

Major complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are bleeding and bile duct injury, and it is necessary to clearly identify structures endoscopically to keep bleeding and injury from occurring. The aim of this study was to depict the anatomical variation between cystic arteries among patients using 64-detector row spiral computed tomography (CT) prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients (31 men, 47 women) who underwent cholecystectomy were examined preoperatively using 64-detector row spiral CT between April 2012 and June 2013. The origin and number of cystic arteries and their relationship with the Calot triangle was evaluated by two independent observers. CT images were compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy results.

RESULTS

The cystic arteries were delineated by CT in 73 of the 78 patients. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle was identified in 71 of the 78 patients. One cystic artery was found in 53 (73%) of the 73 patients, while two cystic arteries were found in 20 (27%) of the patients. A total of 55 (60%) of the 91 cystic arteries passed through the Calot triangle. The remaining 36 cystic arteries (40%) passed anterior, posterior, or inferior to the cystic duct. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle detected by CT was in agreement with the surgical records for all patients.

CONCLUSION

The configuration of the cystic arteries and their relationship with the Calot triangle can be identified using 64-detector row CT before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Variations of the hepatobiliary vasculature including coexistence of accessory right hepatic artery with unusually arising double cystic arteries: case report and literature review

Familiarity with the different anatomical variations of the arterial supply of the gallbladder and liver is of great importance in all hepatobiliary surgical procedures. A complex anomaly of the hepatobiliary arterial system, which has never been reported before, was found during anatomical dissection of a 73-year-old male Caucasian cadaver. The accessory right hepatic artery (aRHA) took its origin from the gastroduodenal artery. Two cystic arteries were present, the first arising from the gastroduodenal artery (more distal than the aRHA) and the second directly from the aRHA. Potential clinical implications of this anomaly and embryology are discussed. Knowledge of the different anatomical variations of the arterial supply of the gallbladder and liver is of great importance in hepatobiliary surgical procedures.

The origin of the cystic artery supplying hepatocellular carcinoma on digital subtraction angiography in 311 patients

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and patterns of origin of the cystic artery using selective angiography images obtained during chemoembolization.

METHODS

Between March 2007 and January 2012, 326 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma supplied by the cystic artery were treated by chemoembolization through the cystic artery. Fifteen patients were excluded due to the difficulty in determining the origin of their cystic arteries. Thus, a total of 311 patients were included in this study. Digital subtraction angiography images were reviewed retrospectively by consensus.

RESULTS

A total of 112 (36 %) patients had a total of 121 variant hepatic arteries. Double cystic arteries were present in 46 (14.8 %) patients, and total 357 cystic arteries were observed. The origin sites of the cystic artery were the following: the right hepatic artery (n = 248), the anterior sectional artery (n = 44), the segment IV artery (n = 21), the posterior sectional artery (n = 10), the left hepatic artery (n = 8), the proper hepatic artery (n = 8), the gastroduodenal artery (n = 4), and others (n = 14). In total, 103 (33 %) patients had at least one cystic artery arising from arteries other than the right hepatic artery. In patients with right hepatic artery variations, the cystic artery more frequently originated from arteries other than the right hepatic artery (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The most and second most common origins of the cystic artery are the right hepatic artery and the anterior sectional artery. In addition, the origin site of the cystic arteries is influenced by variations of hepatic arteries.

Significance of ultrasonography in selecting methods for the treatment of acute cholecystitis

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is indicated in nearly all cases of complicated acute cholecystitis. In the 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy became the method of choice in the treatment of cholecystolithiasis. Due to a large inflammatory reaction in the course of acute inflammation, a laparoscopic procedure is conducted in technically difficult conditions and entails the risk of complications.

Real-time simultaneous near-infrared fluorescence imaging of bile duct and arterial anatomy

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that two independent wavelengths of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent light could be used to identify bile ducts and hepatic arteries simultaneously, and intraoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different combinations of 700 and 800 nm fluorescent contrast agents specific for bile ducts and arteries were injected into N = 10 35-kg female Yorkshire pigs intravenously. Combination 1 (C-1) was methylene blue (MB) for arterial imaging and indocyanine green (ICG) for bile duct imaging. Combination 2 (C-2) was ICG for arterial imaging and MB for bile duct imaging. Combination 3 (C-3) was a newly developed, zwitterionic NIR fluorophore ZW800-1 for arterial imaging and MB for bile duct imaging. Open and minimally invasive surgeries were imaged using the fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration (FLARE) surgical imaging system and minimally invasive FLARE (m-FLARE) imaging systems, respectively.

RESULTS

Although the desired bile duct and arterial anatomy could be imaged with contrast-to-background ratios (CBRs) ≥ 6 using all three combinations, each one differed significantly in terms of repetition and prolonged imaging. ICG injection resulted in high CBR of the liver and common bile duct (CBD) and prolonged imaging time (120 min) of the CBD (C-1). However, because ICG also resulted in high background of liver and CBD relative to arteries, ICG produced a lower arterial CBR (C-2) at some time points. C-3 provided the best overall performance, although C-2, which is clinically available, did enable effective laparoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that dual-channel NIR fluorescence imaging provides simultaneous, real-time, and high resolution identification of bile ducts and hepatic arteries during biliary tract surgery.

Progress in laparoscopic anatomy research: A review of the Chinese literature

The development of laparoscopic surgery has generated the new field of study, laparoscopic anatomy. This article reviews the reported literature on laparoscopic anatomy and explores how it has evolved along with advances in abdominal surgery. In addition, the principal concerns in current laparoscopic anatomy research are discussed, including: (1) types of special adjacent anatomical structures; and (2) special surgical planes and anatomical landmarks. Understanding of systematic laparoscopic anatomy can provide the junior surgeons a clear procedural approach, and would benefit laparoscopic surgeons in training.

Triangle of safety technique: a new approach to laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Backgrounds and Study Aims. Common bile duct (CBD) injury is one of the most serious complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Misidentification of the CBD during dissection of the Calot's triangle can lead to such injuries. The aim of the authors in this study is to present a new safe triangle of dissection. Patients and Method. 501 patients under went LC in the following approach; The cystic artery is identified and mobilized from the gall bladder (GB) medial wall down towards the cystic duct which would simultaneously divide the medial GB peritoneal attachment. This is then followed by dividing the lateral peritoneal attachment. The GB will be unfolded and the borders of the triangle of safety (TST) are achieved: cystic artery medially, cystic duct laterally and the gallbladder wall superiorly. The floor of the triangle is then divided to delineate both cystic duct and artery in an area relatively far from CBD. Results. There were little significant immediate or delayed complications. The mean operating time was 68 minutes, nearly equivalent to the conventional method. Conclusions. Dissection at TST appears to be a safe procedure which clearly demonstrates the cystic duct and may help to reduce the CBD injuries.

Cystic artery and cystic duct assessment with 64-detector row CT before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess 64-detector row computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative depiction of the cystic duct and cystic arteries in and around the Calot triangle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained, with waiver of informed consent. A total of 245 consecutive patients (133 men, 112 women), including 48 patients who subsequently underwent cholecystectomy, were examined. Two independent observers evaluated the CT data set on the basis of axial sections, coronal and sagittal multiplanar reformations, and three-dimensional volume rendering. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle--which is bordered by the undersurface of the liver, common hepatic duct, and cystic duct--was also evaluated, and each patient was classified on the basis of the origin of the cystic arteries and the course to the Calot triangle. Statistical analysis was performed, and percentages and confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

The cystic arteries were delineated in 234 of the 245 patients. Both the Calot triangle and the cystic arteries were delineated in 223 patients. One cystic artery was seen in the Calot triangle in 173 patients, and two cystic arteries were seen in the Calot triangle in 12. One artery in the Calot triangle with accessory arteries from different origins outside the Calot triangle was seen in 18 patients, and no cystic artery was identified in 20. Cystic arteries were seen in 42 (92%; 95% confidence interval: 87%, 98%) of the 48 patients who subsequently underwent cholecystectomy. The relationship between the cystic arteries and the Calot triangle was in agreement with the surgical records for all patients.

CONCLUSION

The configuration of the cystic duct and cystic arteries can be depicted preoperatively with 64-detector row CT in patients scheduled to undergo cholecystectomy.

New classification of the anatomic variations of cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM: To investigate the anatomic variations in the cystic artery by laparoscopy, and to provide a new classification system for the guidance of laparoscopic surgeons.

METHODS: Six hundred patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy from June 2005 to May 2006 were studied retrospectively. The laparoscope of 30˚ (Stryker, American) was applied. Anatomic structures of cystic artery and conditions of Calot's triangle under laparoscope were recorded respectively.

RESULTS: Laparoscopy has revealed there are many anatomic variations of the cystic artery that occur frequently. Based on our experience with 600 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, we present a new classification of anatomic variations of the cystic artery, which can be divided into three groups: (1) Calot's triangle type, found in 513 patients (85.5%); (2) outside Calot's triangle, found in 78 patients (13%); (3) compound type, observed in 9 patients (1.5%).

CONCLUSION: Our classification of the anatomic variations of the cystic artery will be useful for decreasing uncontrollable cystic artery hemorrhage, and avoiding extrahepatic bile duct injury.

Fistula Between Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm and Cystic Bile Duct Cause of Acute Anemia One Year After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

We present a case of hemorrhage from a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm one year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 78-year-old male with a history of recurrent melena, hematemesis, and right upper abdominal pain was admitted to our emergency department. His blood pressure was 60/30 mm Hg with a pulse rate of 100 beats per minute. Hemoglobin was 7.6 g/dL and white blood cell count 19500/mm(3). Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and selective digital subtraction arteriography showed a pseudoaneurysm in the region of the former bed of the gallbladder. During gastroscopy, a pulsatile bleeding out of the papilla of Vater was found. Surgery by the open approach confirmed the presence of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm and showed an additional fistula between the pseudoaneurysm and the cystic bile duct. Resection of the pseudoaneurysm and revision of the common bile duct with implantation of a T-tube was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged from our hospital three weeks after surgery.

Multiple variations of the hepatobiliary vasculature including double cystic arteries, accessory left hepatic artery and hepatosplenic trunk: a case report

Anatomical variations in the origins and branching patterns of the hepatobiliary arterial system may be encountered during both conventional surgical and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We report a rare case of double cystic arteries arising from both the right hepatic artery and the proximal part of the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. Additional variations consisting of an accessory left hepatic artery arising from a left gastric which in turn arose from the descending aorta superior to the origin of the celiac trunk and a small left hepatic artery arising from the hepatic proper artery were also noted. The celiac trunk bifurcated into the splenic artery and the common hepatic artery forming a hepatosplenic or lienohepatic trunk. The possible clinical implications are discussed.