Variant anatomy of the hepatic artery in adult Kenyans

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of the variant vascular anatomy ofthe subhepatic region is valuable to hepatobiliarysurgeons to limit operative complications due to unexpected bleeding. One hundred and two subhepatic regions were studied by gross dissection for the pattern of arterial blood supply. Measurements were made for the distance of hepatic bifurcation from the liver. The common hepatic artery (CHA) originated from the celiac trunk in 95.1% and from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in 4.9% of cases. The mean distance of bifurcation from the liver was 2.6cm and the CHA gave rise to 2 hepatic branches in 93.1% of cases. The right hepatic artery (RHA) passed anterior to the CHD in 48%, posterior in 41.2% and in 7.8% was related to the common bile duct (CBD). Accessory RHA and left hepatic arteries(LHA) were observed in 10.8% and 9.8% of the cases. There is wide variation in the pattern ofarterial supply to the liver and biliary apparatusin adult Kenyans. A comprehensive understandingand application of this aspect of surgical anatomy is essential for good results to be maintained and even improved when carrying out surgical procedures in this area (AU)

RESUMEN

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