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[Left hepatic artery: anatomical variations and clinical implications].
B Abid1, R Douard, J M Chevallier
1Faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, institut d'anatomie de Paris, niversité Paris-V, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, 75005 Paris, France.
Morphologie : Bulletin De L'Association Des Anatomistes
|November 15, 2008
Summary
The left hepatic artery (LHA) is a common anatomical variation, found in 12-34% of individuals. Understanding LHA variations is crucial for liver and gastric surgeries to ensure patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Vascular anatomy
- Embryological development
Context:
- The left hepatic artery (LHA) is an anatomical variation arising from the persistence of an embryonic artery.
- It typically originates from the left gastric artery and courses through the pars condensa of the lesser omentum.
- Its prevalence varies significantly across different diagnostic methods, with laparoscopic detection showing the highest sensitivity.
Purpose:
- To detail the anatomical characteristics and prevalence of the left hepatic artery (LHA).
- To highlight the clinical significance of LHA variations in various surgical procedures.
- To inform surgical decision-making regarding LHA ligation.
Summary:
- The left hepatic artery (LHA) is an anatomical variation present in 12-34% of the population, originating from the left gastric artery.
- LHA irrigates a variable portion of the liver, from a part of the left lobe to the entire organ in rare cases.
- Knowledge of LHA variations is mandatory for liver transplantation, liver surgery, and upper abdominal surgeries.
Impact:
- Accurate knowledge of LHA anatomy is essential for safe liver transplantation and surgery.
- LHA ligation is generally feasible due to arterial anastomoses, though caution is advised when it supplies the entire liver.
- This understanding improves surgical outcomes and patient safety in procedures involving the upper abdomen and liver.
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