Clinicoanatomical Study of Blood Supply of Extrahepatic Biliary Ductal System

The major blood supply of extrahepatic biliary ductal system is by cystic artery, which supplies to cystic duct, common hepatic duct and the upper part of the common bile duct. The lower part of bile duct is supplied by gastroduodenal artery. The present study is aimed at determining the anatomical variations of blood supply of extrahepatic biliary ductal system and its clinical implications. The present study of the blood supply of extrahepatic biliary ductal system has been conducted on 30 cadavers. After exposing the abdominal cavity and removing peritoneal fat, extrahepatic biliary system and its blood supply was carefully dissected and relevant photographs were taken. Special attention was given to the relationship of the cystic artery to the Calot’s triangle. Along with the arteries, the variations in the venous drainage were also noted. Major importance of knowledge of blood supply of extrahepatic biliary ductal system may well lie in the understanding of the etiology of postoperative bile duct strictures and in their prevention. A clear understanding of the major arterial supply to the extrahepatic bile ducts should be of assistance in biliary reconstruction and treating hemobilia.