Liver Surgery Risks: 30-40% Have Unusual Arteries
A recent study has shown that a significant number of people, between 30 and 40 percent, have unusual blood circulatory systems in their livers. These variations can include an extra artery, which can pose risks during surgical procedures.
The most common variation is the presence of an extra artery connected to the left hepatic artery, known as the accessory left hepatic artery. In some cases, one of the primary hepatic arteries may be missing, resulting in a replaced hepatic artery (left or right).
Thorough mapping of liver vascular structures, including these unusual vessels, is crucial before any liver-impacting surgical procedure. This is to prevent iatrogenic injury, which can occur during procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Injury to the arteries of the liver is a common trauma consequence and can lead to serious complications.
To ensure patient safety, healthcare professionals use technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and CT scan to examine liver vascular structures. Understanding and identifying these variations before surgery can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure better patient outcomes.
