Hepatic artery ligation: a simple and safe technique to treat extrahepatic aneurysms of the hepatic artery

Abstract

Background: Treatment of patients with extrahepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to report 4 patients with HAAs treated by ligation and to underline the rationale of this technique.

Methods: From 2000 to 2006, 4 consecutive patients, including 1 with bile duct compression and 1 with hemobilia, presented with symptomatic HAAs. Preoperative imaging included spiral computed axial tomography with computed axial tomography-assisted arteriography in all patients and diagnostic arteriography in 1 patient. One patient underwent unsuccessful transarterial embolization. All patients were treated surgically by ligation with preservation of the collateral network identified by preoperative imaging.

Results: During a 6- to 70-month range of follow-up, there was no postoperative mortality, surgical morbidity, or adverse consequences on liver function tests.

Conclusions: Ligation is a simple and efficient treatment in patients with symptomatic extrahepatic artery aneurysm, even those with bile duct obstruction.