胆道数字成像技术在活体肝移植肝内胆道解剖分型及胆道切面确定中的应用

Objective To evaluate biliary digital imaging technology in determining the type of the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane of the duct in right lobe living donor liver transplantation(LDLT). Methods Mobile digital subtraction angiography was performed to show the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy of 66 liver transplant donor candidates. Combined with metal markers, the bile duct transection plane was defined. Comparing with the actual results, the effect of digital imaging technology in determining the intrahepatic anatomical variations and transection plane of the duct in LDLT was evaluated. Results Intrahepatic bile duct anatomical variations were showed in all donors by using digital imaging technology. type Ⅰ (classical type) was identified in45 cases (68.2%), type Ⅱ (with triple confluence, the simultaneous emptying of the right anterior segmental duct, right posterior segmental duct and left hepatic duct into the common hepatic duct) in 7 cases ( 10.6% ), type Ⅲ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into common hepatic duct) in 13 cases ( 19. 7% ), type Ⅳ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into left hepatic duct) in 1 case (1.5%), and type Ⅴ (complex variation ) in no case (0%). As a result, cases of type Ⅰ form a single anastomosis. In type Ⅱ, four cases formed double anastomoses, three cases formed single anastomosis with or without ductoplasty. In type Ⅲ, two anastomoses were formed in 9 cases, single anastomosis in 4 cases with ductoplasty. The case of type Ⅳ had double anastomoses. In all cases right lobe liver were harvested.Conclusions Biliary digital subtraction image combined with metal markers accurately defines intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane, helping to reduce number of bile duct anastomosis, and contributes to safe graft harvesting.     

胆道数字成像技术在活体肝移植肝内胆道解剖分型及胆道切面确定中的应用

Objective To evaluate biliary digital imaging technology in determining the type of the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane of the duct in right lobe living donor liver transplantation(LDLT). Methods Mobile digital subtraction angiography was performed to show the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy of 66 liver transplant donor candidates. Combined with metal markers, the bile duct transection plane was defined. Comparing with the actual results, the effect of digital imaging technology in determining the intrahepatic anatomical variations and transection plane of the duct in LDLT was evaluated. Results Intrahepatic bile duct anatomical variations were showed in all donors by using digital imaging technology. type Ⅰ (classical type) was identified in45 cases (68.2%), type Ⅱ (with triple confluence, the simultaneous emptying of the right anterior segmental duct, right posterior segmental duct and left hepatic duct into the common hepatic duct) in 7 cases ( 10.6% ), type Ⅲ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into common hepatic duct) in 13 cases ( 19. 7% ), type Ⅳ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into left hepatic duct) in 1 case (1.5%), and type Ⅴ (complex variation ) in no case (0%). As a result, cases of type Ⅰ form a single anastomosis. In type Ⅱ, four cases formed double anastomoses, three cases formed single anastomosis with or without ductoplasty. In type Ⅲ, two anastomoses were formed in 9 cases, single anastomosis in 4 cases with ductoplasty. The case of type Ⅳ had double anastomoses. In all cases right lobe liver were harvested.Conclusions Biliary digital subtraction image combined with metal markers accurately defines intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane, helping to reduce number of bile duct anastomosis, and contributes to safe graft harvesting.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ bepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation

Objective To summarize the experience of reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases of living donor liver transplantation of right lobe without middle hepatic vein were analyzed, and Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins were reconstructed. All donors underwent evaluation on the basis of vascular anatomy, GRWR and graft volume/ESLV. Fifty-one grafts underwent reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with cold-storage cadaveric iliac veins. Great saphenous vein, varicose umbilical veins, recipient intrahepatic portal veins and recipient intrahepatic veins were used respectively in the remaining 4 cases. Results One recipient died of obstruction of out-flow on the postoperative day 43. One recipient was converted to cadaver donor liver transplantation at the 7th day after operation, because of acute liver function failure. The remaining 53 cases recovered successfully. Conclusion Reconstruction of Ⅴ and Ⅷ hepatic veins with proper materials in right lobe (without middle hepatic vein) living donor liver transplantation is feasible, and the effect is satisfactory.     

去胆管及去门静脉肝叶肝细胞功能分化的研究

目的 观察胆管结扎及门静脉结扎后肝细胞形态及功能分化现象,探讨去胆管及去门静脉肝叶的保留价值.方法 应用氰基丙烯酸酯对仅保留两个肝叶的大鼠行一叶胆道栓塞并结扎,另一肝叶行门静脉结扎,进行分肝静脉血化验检查、组织病理及超微结构观察.结果 去胆管肝叶形态及糖原染色变化不大,分肝静脉血白蛋白(30.9±1.8)g/L与对照组(31.9±2.0)g/,L比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).去门脉肝叶萎缩明显,但血胆红素指标维持正常,与未处理对照组比较[(7.7±3.2)比(8.7±2.3)μmol/L]差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 去胆管肝叶在观察期内无明显萎缩,仍保留有蛋白质合成分泌等功能;去门脉肝叶肝细胞能够承担胆汁代谢功能.     

Compensatory hepatic hypertrophy after occlusion of branches of the portal vein or bile duct

The effect on the liver of portal or bile duct branch occlusion was examined in rabbits by measuring hepatic tissue blood flow and cellular kinetics, using the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index. The portal branch bile duct branch, or both, to the main lobe and caudate lobe (80.4% of total liver weight) were ligated or embolized just above the right posterior lobe (19.6%), resulting in compensatory hypertrophy of the right posterior lobe and atrophy of the main and caudate lobes. Twenty-four days after ligation, the degree of compensatory hypertrophy in the different groups was comparable. There were significant differences in the pattern of the development of hypertrophy. Ligation of both a portal branch and the corresponding bile duct resulted in more rapid hypertrophy and atrophy than ligation of a portal branch alone. Ligation of a branch of the bile duct resulted in slow development of hypertrophy and atrophy. In the embolization group, the increase in the right posterior lobe stopped 6 days after the operation, resulting that it was about 40% thereafter. Histological findings showed that the fibrin clot had contracted and was floating in the portal branch to the main lobe. These results suggested that portal blood flow to the main lobe had resumed and was gradually increasing as the clot contracted. Portal branch ligation gave results superior to those with portal branch embolization with regard to application to preoperative procedure in extended hepatobiliary surgery.     

Anatomic resection of liver segments V and VI

We describe a surgical technique that allows identification and severing at the hilum of the hepatic artery and portal vein branches, which perfuse only segments V and VI of the right lobe of the liver. This is a technique that makes possible an anatomic resection of those segments. The bile duct and hepatic vein branches are ligated only when the liver parenchyma is sectioned. The technique was used in three patients with liver tumors. No patient received blood transfusions, and no postoperative local complications were observed.     

前入路绕肝悬吊解剖性肝右三叶切除术治疗巨大肝癌

前入路肝切除术是指先离断肝实质后游离肝脏的肝切除方法;绕肝悬吊是指在肝后下腔静脉前方放置悬吊带,供在切肝过程中提起肝脏.2011年10月中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院采用前入路、绕肝悬吊、解剖性肝右三叶切除术治疗1例54岁男性肝癌患者.肿瘤位于肝左内叶和右半肝,长径约16 cn.术前肿瘤分期为ⅢA期,T3N0M0;术前评估ICG R15为5.4％,肝左外叶肝脏体积占标准肝脏体积的44％;左肝管受压、轻度扩张.术中首先分离、切断入肝血流,包括肝右动脉、门静脉右支、肝中动脉、门静脉左内叶分支;然后在镰状韧带的右侧离断肝实质,期间在肝后下腔静脉前打隧道并悬吊肝脏;切断右肝管;接着分离、切断肝中静脉和肝右静脉;游离肝周韧带,移出肝右二叶;最后行左肝管、肝总管端端吻合.手术时间为4h,术中出血量为350 mL.患者术后康复顺利,术后4个月复查MRCP示胆管吻合口通畅,肝内未见肿瘤复发.     

Preliminary study of the anatomy of the venous drainage of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and its relevance to the practice of hepatobiliary surgery

Background : Although there have been many studies of the arterial supply of the biliary system, attempts to study the corresponding venous drainage have been few and all have been incomplete. The purpose of the present investigation is to describe the anatomy of the venous drainage of both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and to determine its relevance to hepatobiliary surgery. Methods : The intrahepatic and extrahepatic venous drainage of the bile ducts was investigated in seven specimens by injecting a solution of 10% gelatin coloured with Alcian blue into the portal vein or the superior mesenteric vein to outline the venous drainage. The specimens were dissected under loop magnification and representative drawings were obtained. Results : The surface of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts was covered by a fine venous plexus. On the surface of the supraduodenal common hepatic duct and common bile duct the venous plexus drained laterally into marginal veins, usually two in number and known as the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock marginal veins. Inferiorly the marginal veins and the venous plexus communicated with the pancreaticoduodenal venous plexus, which in its turn drained into the posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal vein, a branch of the superior mesenteric vein. Superiorly the marginal veins divided into a number of branches. Some branches followed the left and right hepatic ducts into the liver, communicating with the venous plexus and the adjacent branches of the portal vein. Other branches of variable size entered either segment IV or the caudate lobe or process via the hilar venous plexus. A most important finding was that even after dividing the bile duct and all communicating veins at the upper border of the duodenum, the venous plexus and the marginal veins filled normally to the level of transection. This occurred almost certainly by retrograde filling from above. Conclusion : The satisfactory results of end‐to‐end anastomosis in whole liver transplantation depends partly on the presence of adequate venous drainage. This has been amply demonstrated by the injection studies. This would indicate that the poor results of end‐to‐end repair of the bile duct after surgical trauma results from other factors such as poor technique, devascularization of the cut ends due to trauma, and carrying out the anastomosis under tension. After resection of the hilum for cholangiocarcinoma the venous drainage of the left and right hepatic ducts and their branches depends mainly on the communications between the venous plexus on the ducts and the adjacent branches of the portal vein, even at a lobular or sinusoidal level. The satisfactory results obtained after anastomosis of the left and right hepatic ducts or their branches to a Roux loop of jejunum attest to this. This applies also to the transplantation of segments II and III in paediatric patients from related adult donors and in patients receiving split liver transplants. Finally, the venous drainage at the bifurcation of the common hepatic duct has been shown to enter the caudate lobe and segment IV directly. This suggests that a hilar cholangiocarcinoma may metastasize to these segments, and perhaps partly explain the significantly better long‐term results when the caudate lobe and segment IV are resected en bloc with the cholangiocarcinoma as part of modern radical surgery for this condition.     

Anatomicopathological Study of Vascular and Biliary Systems Using Cast Samples of Fasciola‐infected Bovine Livers

In 117 livers with fascioliasis, this study was focused on the number of Fasciola, the number and intrahepatic localization of affected hepatic ducts and bile ducts, and the degree of fibrosis in the hepatic segments and bile ducts. The degree of pathological changes in bile ducts caused by fascioliasis was classified into five levels. The site of Fasciola habitation was most often the hepatic ducts of the porta hepatis: it was the left hepatic duct in 101 livers and the right hepatic duct in 88 livers. Casts were prepared by infusing synthetic resin into the hepatic arterial, portal, hepatic venous and biliary systems of 15 bovine livers with fascioliasis and then examined. In the left lobe, quadrate lobe, and caudate process where atrophic fibrosis was noted, the bile ducts became rod‐shaped by losing branches, and the samples resembled dead branches of liver. Portal branches were thinned or completely terminated with marked fibrosis. Fine and irregular newly formed bile ducts not parallel with portal branches were observed in livers with markedly chronic fascioliasis. Distal portal branches in the right lobe, caudate lobe, and papillary process showed hypertrophic proliferative changes. The arterial system was generally well developed in thickened walls of bile ducts and formed vascular beds, and surrounded the bile ducts as tubes. In livers with severe fibrosis, capillaries were markedly developed and resembled glass cotton.     

选择性胆管栓塞所致肝脏功能及组织学变化的实验研究

目的通过动物实验研究,观察选择性胆管栓塞所致肝脏功能和组织学变化,探讨其治疗胆管细胞癌的可能性。方法应用无水酒精或α-氰基丙烯酸正辛酯(DTH胶)对新西兰兔行选择性胆管栓塞,与正常新西兰兔比较,进行大体、组织学观察,并检测肝脏功能变化。结果栓塞术后30 d被栓塞肝叶萎缩,体积减小,质地变硬,光镜下肝小叶结构消失,肝细胞消亡,汇管区结缔组织增生明显。未栓塞肝叶代偿性肥大,肝细胞体积及密度增大,门静脉扩张充血。肝功能呈一过性改变,表现为术后3 d转氨酶(GPT、GOT)明显升高,术后14 d降至正常基线水平。DTH胶对肝功能(GPT、GOT)的损害要轻于无水酒精组(F=9.593,P=0.015;F=16.401,P=0.004)。结论选择性胆管栓塞可使被栓塞肝叶明显萎缩、纤维化,而未栓塞肝叶代偿性增生肥大,DTH胶栓塞效果较无水酒精相对安全有效,可能作为胆管细胞癌治疗的一种辅助措施。     

Anomalous intrahepatic portal system in a patient with hilar bile duct cancer

We report a case of anomaly of the intrahepatic portal system in a 65-year-old man with hilar bile duct cancer. Preoperatively, percutaneous transhepatic portography demonstrated that there was a right posterior portal vein arising from the main portal vein. In addition, a large portal branch originated from the left portal vein and coursed toward the right hepatic lobe. Following portal embolization of the right posterior branch, the patient underwent an extended right hepatectomy with a caudate lobectomy. Intraoperatively, to the left at the porta hepatis and then it first gave off the right anterior portal vein originated from the left portal vein and coursed toward the right hepatic lobe horizontally behind the gallbladder and then separated into superior and inferior segmental branches to supply the right anterior segment of the liver. The ramification of some major branches without malposition of the gallbladder or round ligament was the important clinical feature of this anomaly.     

Rare Portal Venous Anomaly in a Living Liver Donor: A Case Report

Knowledge of the anatomy of the portal system is essential for safe liver resection. We report a very rare anatomic anomaly of the portal system in a living liver donor. A 24-year-old female living liver donor was found to have anomalies of the portal system on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The ventral branch of the right anterior segment arose from the transverse portion of the left portal vein. The gallbladder and round ligament were positioned normally. Intraoperative cholangiography for evaluation of biliary anatomy revealed very low confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. All the bile ducts from the right lobe merged into the right hepatic duct. A right lobe graft was performed, including the ventral area of the right anterior segment. The portal branch of the ventral area of the right anterior segment could be transected extrahepatically. In the recipient operation, each of the right main portal branches, including the right posterior segment branch and the dorsal branch of the right anterior segment, and the ventral branch of the right anterior segment, were anastomosed to the right and left branches of the portal vein, respectively, of the recipient. The transected right hepatic duct of the graft was anastomosed with the recipient's common hepatic duct. Sixteen years after the liver transplant, the recipient continues to do well and has good portal flow.     

Split-liver orthotopic liver transplantation: how to divide the portal pedicle.

It is possible to obtain two good-quality hepatic transplants from a single cadaveric liver by separation of right and left lobes of the liver or section between the left medial segment and the left lateral segment medial to the umbilical cleft. We attempt to define the ideal basis of separation of the structures of the portal pedicle, based on anatomic study of 25 livers. Ideally, the following should be sectioned: the left portal vein, longer and more constant than the right; the right branch of the hepatic artery, larger and more constant than the left; and the left hepatic duct, being aware of the vascularization of the common hepatic duct. Use of the left portal vein necessitates the interruption of all left venous portal branches of segment I, which should be systematically resected. A section between the left medial segment and the left lateral segment interrupts all portal venous branches of the left medial segment, which should then be resected. Before hepatic division, a cholangiogram and arteriogram are indispensable to detect variations and avoid an extensive dissection that may endanger bile duct vascularity.