Accessory right hepatic artery arising from the left: implications for split liver transplantation

Abstract

Background: Variant arterial anatomy must be recognized and appropriately managed during split liver transplantation to ensure complete vascular supply to both grafts. We describe an accessory posterior right hepatic artery, arising from the left and passing behind the portal vein bifurcation.

Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive livers were examined during ex vivo liver-splitting procedures. An abnormal right accessory artery arising from the left hepatic artery was identified high in the porta hepatis. The anatomical variant is described and illustrated by methylene blue injection and arteriography.

Results: The anomaly was encountered in 2 of 37 split liver procedures. The two right lobes with the abnormal artery were discarded.

Conclusion: Care should be taken during dissection behind the portal vein bifurcation to exclude an accessory segmental right hepatic artery. If present, the liver may not be suitable for splitting without compromising the right lobe, unless the left hepatic artery can be divided distal to the origin of the accessory vessel.