Accessory Right Hepatic Artery Research Articles

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery in periampullary cancer treatment: are pathological and clinical outcomes different? A single tertiary referral center retrospective analysis.

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery (RHA) may represent an additional challenge in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of variations in hepatic arterial anatomy on perioperative outcomes. PDs performed for periampullary malignancies between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and subdivided in two groups: modal pattern of vascularization (MPV) and anomalous pattern of vascularization (APV). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to homogenize the two study populations. The two groups were then compared in terms of perioperative outcomes and pathological findings. Thirty-eight patients (16.3%) out of 232 presented a vascular anomaly: an accessory RHA in 7 cases (3%), a replaced RHA in 26 cases (11.2%), and a replaced HA in 5 cases (2.1%). After PSM, 76 MPV patients were compared to the 38 APV patients. The incidence rate of postoperative complications was comparable between the two study populations (p=0.2). Similarly, no difference was detected in terms of histopathological data, including margin status. No difference was noted in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage and vascular resection. When PDs are performed in high-volume centers, the presence of an APV of the RHA does not relate to a significant impact on perioperative complications. Moreover, no influence was noted on histopathological findings.

Accessory right hepatic artery and its significance for a surgeon: A case report

Right hepatic artery (RHA) is a branch of the common hepatic artery; however, there are cases documented in the literature showing anatomical variations. Accessory RHA is an incidental finding during hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. This artery should be identified, carefully separated, and preserved during these surgeries. We encounter the variation while doing Whipple’s procedure in a 61-year-old patient diagnosed with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Intra-operatively, accessory RHA was present which was arising from the superior mesenteric artery. It was identified, carefully separated, and preserved. Variations in the origin of the artery may make it vulnerable to injuries during surgical procedures if due care is not taken.

Anatomy of the vasculature supplying hepatobiliary structures and celiac trunk branching patterns in the Thai population

Abstract Background Knowledge of the anatomy of the celiac trunk (CT) and arterial supply of the hepatobiliary system is essential for surgical and interventional radiological treatment of upper abdominal diseases. Objectives To determine the branching patterns of the CT and variation in origin and type of the right hepatic artery (RHA), left hepatic artery (LHA), and cystic artery (CA). Methods The anatomy of the CT in 100 cadavers from Thai adult donors was observed in 3 aspects: its branching pattern, the origin of the RHA and LHA, and the origin of the CA and its relation to the common bile duct (CBD) and common hepatic duct (CHD). Results The majority of the CT branching pattern was categorized as the type II classical pattern, which has 3 branches: the left gastric artery (LGA), splenic artery (SA), and common hepatic artery (CHA). The RHA branched from proper hepatic artery in 67 cadavers. The origin of the accessory RHA was either from the abdominal aorta or superior mesenteric artery (SMA), whereas the replaced RHA originated from the CHA, SMA, or CT. The accessory LHA ramified from CHA (2 cases) and LGA (1 case). The replaced LHA was found in 30 cadavers and 29 arose from the CHA. The single and double types of CA were found in 94 and 4 cadavers, respectively. In all, 57% of single CA passed posteriorly and 39% passed anteriorly to the CBD and CHD. Conclusions To lower posttreatment complications, variations in the anatomy and the vascular supply of hepatobiliary structures should be considered.

Anatomic variation and introperative disposal of right hepatic artery in pancreaticoduodenectomy

Anatomic variation of right hepatic artery (RHA) is not rare in clinical. we retrospective reviewed the clinical data of 179 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between January 2012 and June 2017 in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Shandong Province, China. 28 patients from them presented variant RHA including replaced RHA (rRHA) and accessory RHA (aRHA), and the incidence of aberrant RHA was about 15.64%. The variation was confirmed with preoperative imaging in 25 cases by contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) and the preoperative diagnostic accuracy was up to 89.29% in our study. The duration of operation in variant group was prolonged than normal and there was a statistical difference between two groups, no difference was demonstrated in estimated amount of blood loss and postoperative complications including biliary fistula, pancreatic fistula, chylous fistula, intraperitoneal haemorrhage between two groups. It is essential for surgeons to be vigilant for rRHA or aRHA to avoid potentially disastrous complications and the best introperative disposal, only if transection and reconstruction is unavoidable, is to dissect and preserve despite it may cost much more time.

Totally replaced right hepatic artery in pancreaticoduodenectomy: is this anatomical condition a contraindication to minimally invasive surgery?

BackgroundThe appropriate approach, in the case of an aberrant right hepatic artery (RHA) during open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), has already been established. The aim of our study is to analyze the short-term surgical and oncological outcomes after robotic PD in patients with anatomical variants, with a special focus on totally replaced RHA. MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database collected from consecutive patients who underwent robotic PD at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System between September 2007 and April 2015. ResultsFifteen patients (20.5%) presented with an anatomical variation of the RHA. Four patients had an accessory RHA and 11 had a totally replaced RHA. 50% of the cases were recognized by the radiologist preoperatively. There were no significant differences in the pre- and postoperative outcomes of the aberrant and normal RHA group. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes in the totally replaced RHA group was 22.8 ± 11.4. The rate of positive resection margins was 0% in the totally replaced RHA group and 9% in the normal RHA group. ConclusionsThis study suggests that robotic PD has no negative impact on surgical and oncological outcomes in patients with a totally replaced RHA.

Celiac Axis, Common Hepatic and Hepatic Artery Variants as Evidenced on MDCT Angiography in South Indian Population

With the increase in the hepatobiliary, pancreatic surgeries and liver transplantation, being aware of the anatomic variations of the celiac axis and the hepatic arteries is of paramount importance. To illustrate the normal anatomy and variants of the celiac axis and the hepatic arteries with multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography in South Indian population and determine the potential variations in the celiac axis anatomy and the hepatic arteries, thus assisting the hepatobiliary surgeon and the interventional radiologist in avoiding iatrogenic injury to the arteries. Two hundred patients undergoing abdominal CT angiography from July 2014 till July 2015 were retrospectively studied for hepatic arterial and celiac axis anatomical variation. The anatomic variations in our study were correlated with other studies. The celiac axis (CA) and the hepatic artery (HA) variations were analysed as per criteria laid by Song et al., and Michel. Out of 15 possible CA variations, 5 types of celiac artery variations were seen in 14 patients. A normal CA was seen in 179(89.5%) patients of the 200 patients. In the remaining 7 patients, the CA anatomy was classified as ambiguous since there was separate origin of the right and left hepatic arteries from the CA with absent common hepatic artery (CHA). The CHA originated normally from the celiac axis in 94% of the cases. Variation of CHA origin was seen in 5 patients. Normal HA anatomy was seen in 114 (57%) patients. Variation in HA anatomy was seen in 86 (43%) patients. Origin of the right hepatic artery (RHA) from the hepatic artery proper was seen in 182 (91%) patients and replaced origin of RHA from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was seen in 18 (9%) of the cases. Accessory RHA was seen in 7(3.5%) patients. The left hepatic artery (LHA) originated from the hepatic artery proper in 186 (93%) patients and replaced origin of LHA from the left gastric artery (LGA) was found in 14 (7%) patients. Accessory left hepatic artery was found in 22(11%) cases. Double hepatic artery seen in 7(3.5%) patients. CHA replaced to LGA was seen in 1 patient (0.5%). CHA trifurcation was seen in 11 (5.5%) patients. CHA was replaced to SMA in 4 (2%) cases. Our study identified the normal anatomy and variations in celiac axis and hepatic arterial anatomy in South Indian population, which correlated well with studies in other populations.

Variations in the Origin and Course of Right Hepatic Artery and its Surgical Significance.

Variations in the Right Hepatic Artery (RHA) are exceedingly common and these variations are of great importance to surgeons and interventional radiologists. A thorough knowledge of the right hepatic arterial anatomy is mandatory while performing hepatic surgery and hepatic arteriography. To find out the variations in the origin and course of the RHA and its surgical significance. This study was conducted in 60 embalmed adult cadavers of both sexes of age group between 50 to 80 years. Abdomen was opened by a linear midline incision extending from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. The origin of RHA from the proper hepatic artery was traced. The presence of aberrant right hepatic arteries -replaced and accessory were noted. The source of origin of accessory or replaced RHA arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), right renal artery and inferior mesenteric artery was traced. The course of normal and aberrant RHA from its origin to the entrance into the right lobe of the liver was followed and structures related to it were noted. The RHA mostly originated from the main trunk of the proper hepatic artery in 52 specimens (86.6%). Presence of aberrant RHA was found in 8 specimens (13.3%). Among 8 specimens of aberrant RHA, replaced RHA arising from SMA was found in 5 specimens (8.3%) and accessory RHA arising from SMA was observed in 3 specimens (5%). In 86.6% of specimens, the RHA coursed dorsal to the duct system to enter the Calot's triangle. In 8.3% of specimens, the RHA coursed ventral to duct system to reach the Calot's triangle. The caterpillar like loop of the RHA was found in two specimens (3%). The replaced and accessory RHA (13.3%) arising from the SMA had a course dorsal to duct system to reach the Calot's triangle. Right hepatic artery is subject to anatomical variation in its origin and course. Our study identified the variations in the origin and course of right hepatic artery. Adequate knowledge of these variations would be of incredible help to the hepatobiliary surgeon and interventional radiologist.

Clinical impact of right accessory hepatic artery injury in deceased donor livers

Right accessory hepatic artery (RAHA) injury at retrieval is a rare complication of deceased liver procurement. Arterial reconstruction is often required under these circumstances which could potentially increase the risk of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). The aim of this study is to investigate whether RAHA injury affects the incidence of HAT, early biliary complications, or 3-month graft and patient survival rates. All adult liver transplants performed between 1994 and February 2007 at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK were considered for inclusion in the study. Grafts were divided into three groups depending on the presence of RAHA and injury (Group 1: normal anatomy and single hepatic artery anastomosis; Group 2: RAHA requiring reconstruction; Group 3: RAHA injury requiring reconstruction). Eight hundred and forty-four liver transplants were included in the study (Group 1: 654 grafts; Group 2: 63 grafts; Group 3: 14 grafts). The incidence of HAT (Group 1, 2.9%; Group 2, 6.4%; Group 3, 14.3%) was significantly different between the three groups (P=0.01); biliary complications at 3months (Group 1, 7.1%; Group 2, 11.1%; Group 3, 7.1%) were not significantly different. Graft and patient survival at 3months were significantly worse in Group 3 when compared with Group 2 (61.5 vs. 88.3%, P=0.01; 81.8 vs. 98.2%, P=0.02). This is the first study analysing the clinical impact of RAHA injury during liver procurement. We conclude that the use of liver grafts with RAHA injury does result in a higher HAT rate and is also associated with lower graft and patient survival rates at 3months.

The management of an accessory or replaced right hepatic artery at multi-organ retrieval- Results of an angiographic study

In the presence of anatomical variants such as an accessory or replaced (A/R) right hepatic artery (RHA), a conflict of interest can arise during organ retrieval between liver and pancreatic teams. This angiographic study examines the anatomy of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA), its relation to the A/R RHA, and the implications for the use of livers and pancreases from multiorgan donors. Gastrointestinal angiograms performed in our institution for unrelated indications were reviewed, and the relevant arteries, their diameters, the distances between origins, the time at which variants were found, and the blood supply to relevant solid organs were recorded. A review of 122 angiograms identified 100 patients in whom both the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the celiac axis were cannulated synchronously; these patients composed our study cohort. The IPDA was identified in 95% of the cases. There were 8 patients with a replaced RHA and 4 with an accessory RHA. In all 12, the IPDA had an SMA origin; 3 of these shared a common origin with the A/R RHA on the SMA. In the rest, the mean distance between them was 29 mm (range = 17.8-48.3 mm). All anomalous arteries found were segmental vessels. In conclusion, the A/R RHA incidence in our series was 12%, and no case had an IPDA originating from the A/R RHA. Separate accessory RHA and IPDA origins potentially allow an uncompromised accessory RHA (with its Carrel patch) without risk of prejudice to the pancreatic graft if retrieval is accurately performed. Rarely (3%), there is a common origin between the A/R RHA and the IPDA, and back-bench reconstruction would be required to allow the use of both the liver and pancreas.

Surgical techniques of hepatic artery reconstitution in orthotopic liver transplantation

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques of hepatic artery reconstitution in liver transplantation and the factors influencing quality of hepatic artery reeonstitution.Methods The clinical data of 368 cases receiving allograft orthotopic liver transplantation in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Results Twenty-two cases of the 368 had complication related tO with artery and the rate was 5.9%(22/368).Fifteen cases of complication related tO artery oecurred in perioperative period,including 12 cases of arterial thrombosis and 3 cases of a large area hepatic necrosis because of injury of right accessory hepatic artery by mistake.Seven cases of complication related to artery occurred in long-term after operation,including 3 cases of arterial thrombosis and 4 cases of hepatic artery stenosis.Thirteen patients with hepatic artery complication underwent another liver transplantation.Eleven death cases occurred because of artery complication and the rate was 30.5% (11/36).Conclusion Protecting the integrity of donor hepatic artery,reasonable selection of the anastomosis location of recipient artery,application of microsurgical techniques and prophylaxis and rectification of blood hypercoagulabale state are the important factors to promote the quality of hepatic artery reconstitution and lower the complication rate related tO hepatic artery. Key words: Liver Transplantation; Hepatic Artery; Microsurgical technique

Hepatic Arterial Loop with Accessory Right Hepatic Artery Aneurysm with Celiac Atresia: Endovascular Therapy with a Stent and Detachable Coils

The present report describes an unusual case of an aneurysm of a right hepatic artery (RHA) branching from the superior mesenteric artery; the accessory RHA was looped to the left hepatic artery arising from the celiac axis (CA) and was associated with congenital atresia of the CA. The accessory RHA aneurysm was treated with the placement of a bare stent and detachable coils through the mesh of the stent. Complete and prompt exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved with blood flow preservation in the parent artery at midterm follow-up.

Evaluation of Intrahepatic Perfusion on Fusion Imaging Using a Combined CT/SPECT System: Influence of Anatomic Variations on Hemodynamic Modification Before Installation of Implantable Port Systems for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

In some patients with hepatic tumors, anatomic variations in the hepatic arteries may require hemodynamic modification to render effective hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy delivered via implantable port systems. We used a combined CT/SPECT system to obtain fused images of the intrahepatic perfusion patterns in patients with such anatomic variations and assessed their effects on the treatment response of hepatic tumors. Using a combined SPECT/CT system, we obtained fused images in 110 patients with malignant liver tumors (n = 75) or liver metastasis from unresectable pancreatic cancer (n = 35). Patients with anatomic hepatic arteries variations underwent hemodynamic modification before the placement of implantable port systems for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. We evaluated their intrahepatic perfusion patterns and the initial treatment response of their liver tumors. The perfusion patterns on the fused images were classified as homogeneous, local hypoperfusion, and/or perfusion defect. Using the WHO criteria of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), no change (NC), and progressive disease (PD), we evaluated the patients' tumor responses after 3 months on multislice helical CT scans. The treatment was regarded as effective in patients who achieved a complete response or partial response. Anatomic hepatic artery variations were present in 15 of the 110 patients (13.6%); 5 manifested replacement of the left hepatic artery (LHA), 8 of the right hepatic artery (RHA), and 1 each had replacement of the RHA and LHA, and replacement of the LHA plus an accessory RHA. In 13 of these 15 patients (87%), occlusion with metallic coils was successful. On fusion imaging, the perfusion patterns were recorded as homogeneous in 6 patients (43%), as hypoperfusion in 7 (50%), and 1 patient had a perfusion defect (7.1%) in the embolized arterial region. Of the 8 patients with RHA replacement, 4 manifested a homogeneous distribution and 3 hypoperfusion. In 2 of 5 patients with LHA replacement, the distribution was homogeneous. In 1 patient with RHA and LHA replacement, and in 1 patient with LHA replacement and an accessory RHA, we noted hypoperfusion in the RHA territory. All 6 patients with homogeneous distribution were classified as PR or NC on follow-up multidetector CT. Of the 7 patients manifesting hypoperfusion, 3 were classified as PD (43%), 3 as NC (43%), and 1 as PR (14%) on follow-up CT. Hemodynamic modification of anatomic hepatic artery variations resulted in hypoperfusion on fusion images. Differences in the intrahepatic perfusion patterns may affect the response to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Early retropancreatic dissection during pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background During pancreaticoduodenectomy, early neck division may be inadequate, particularly in cases of replaced or accessory right hepatic artery (RHA) or diffuse intraductal papillary and mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) or when invasion of superior mesenteric artery is suspected. Methods Modification of the technique of pancreaticoduodenectomy with dissection of the superior mesenteric vessels performed from behind the head of the pancreas before any pancreatic or digestive transection. The pancreas is divided later, after adequate mobilization of the specimen from the vessels, on either the neck or the body, according to underlying disease. Results We used this technique successfully in 20 patients with a replaced or accessory RHA, which was successfully preserved in 19; one patient had inadvertent division of a 2-mm diameter accessory RHA that was ligated with no postoperative complications. Additionally, we used this technique in 18 patients with IPMN—14 pancreaticoduodenectomies extended to the body and 4 total pancreatectomies—and in 3 patients with adenocarcinoma involving the porto-mesenteric confluence and needing en-bloc vascular resection. Conclusions Early division of retroperitoneal margin is a useful technical variant of pancreaticoduodenectomy, which can be recommended in selective indications to improve safety and radicality of the procedure.