Anatomical Variations of the Hepatic Artery in a South African Population: A Cross-Sectional Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Variations in hepatic artery anatomy are common, impacting surgical and interventional procedures. This study aimed to document hepatic artery variations in South African cadavers using Michels's classification.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, thirty cadavers with intact hepatic arteries were included from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa were dissected, focusing on the hepatic artery and its branches. Arterial configurations were classified according to Michels's system (Types 1-10). Sex and race data were also collected. All the data were entered into SPSS version 21

Out of total 30 cadavers, 21 (70%) were males and   9 (30%) were female cadavers. Africans were 21 (70%), and Caucasians were 9 (30%). Type 1 (53.3%) was the most prevalent variation, followed by Types 5 and 9 (10% each). The right hepatic artery (RHA) arose from the proper hepatic artery in 80%. The left hepatic artery (LHA) originated from the proper HA in 76.7% of cases. Analysis by sex revealed Type 1 being the most common in both genders, with additional variations (Types 5 and 9) observed only in males. By race, Type 1 was predominant in both Africans and Caucasians, but was slightly more prevalent in Caucasians.

Hepatic artery variations were present in nearly half of the studied cadavers. Awareness of these variations, particularly Types 5, 9, and those affecting RHA and LHA origins, is crucial for surgeons to minimize complications and optimize surgical outcomes.