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Published on: August 8, 2025
Aberrant right hepatic artery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Matthew J Blecha1, Angela R Frank, Todd A Worley
1St. Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Summary
A rare aberrant right hepatic artery (RHA) anomaly was identified during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This unique vascular variation traversed the gallbladder before entering the liver anteriorly, highlighting anatomical diversity.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Variations in the origins and paths of the cystic and right hepatic arteries are documented.
- Aberrant arterial anatomy poses challenges during hepatobiliary procedures.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old female presented for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Intraoperative findings revealed an aberrant right hepatic artery (RHA) anterior to the gallbladder fundus and infundibulum.
- The cystic artery originated laterally from the aberrant RHA over the gallbladder fundus.
Findings:
- The aberrant RHA coursed anteriorly across the gallbladder bed to an unusually anterior hepatic entry.
- This specific anatomical course, traversing the gallbladder neck and fundus, has not been previously reported.
- The cystic artery's unusual origin and path were also noted.
Implications:
- This case underscores the significant variability in extrahepatic biliary and vascular anatomy.
- Accidental ligation of this aberrant RHA could result in intraoperative hemorrhage or hepatic ischemia.
- Awareness of such anomalies is crucial for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other hepatobiliary surgeries.
