Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Hepatology

Identification of 3 Cystic Arteries during a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Peyman Virani *

Department of Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Changiz Gholipur

Department of Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Aisan Akhgari

Medical Student, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Mahshid Dehghan

Medical Student, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Introduction: There are different anatomical variations of cystic artery. In this article we report a case with presence of a rare number of arteries supplying the gallbladder. Variations in the cystic artery and its branches are clinically significant for General and Hepatobiliary surgeons.

Presentation of Case: We report a case with presence of 3 arteries supplying the gallbladder in 57 years Old Iranian male patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done and all 3 arteries were explored and ligated safely.

Conclusion: With poor visualization intra-operatively, such branches of the cystic artery can be mistaken as the biliary ducts and can lead to intra-operative complications such as hemorrhage, damage to surrounding structures or conversion to open cholecystectomy.

Keywords: Case report, cystic artery, anatomical variation, cholecystectomy, laparoscopy.

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