Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 46-51
Cadaveric Study on the Length and Diameter of the Hepatic Ducts
Sushma Khatiwada 1, Budhi Nath Adhikari 2, Shuvechha Shakya 3
Name of the Institution (research) = Kathmandu Medical Hospital (KMC), Duwakot, Bhaktapur, Nepal.
1Lecturer of Clinical Anatomy at Chitwan Medical College, Kailashnagar, Chitwan, Nepal,
2Consultant Plastic Surgeon, 3Lecturer of Clinical Anatomy at Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur-10, Chitwan, Nepal
Corresponding Author: Sushma Khatiwada
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The biliary system develops as a complex process that can lead to several anatomic variations; its thorough knowledge is essential in radiologic, endoscopic and surgical approaches to the biliary system. The right hepatic duct (RHD) is shorter, wider and more vertical than the left hepatic duct (LHD). This study aims to accurately measure the length and diameter of the right and left hepatic ducts as well as look for any existing correlation between them.
Methods: This observational study was commenced in July 2013 and completed in June 2014 at the Department of Anatomy Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal after taking Ethical clearance from the hospital ethical board. 32 Livers were dissected; the ducts were traced, colored, photographed and measured. Previously operated, diseased and injured liver were excluded from the study.
Results: The length of left hepatic duct was found to range from 18.12 to 24.14 mm with a mean of 20.77 mm while the length of right hepatic duct was found to range from 8.95 to 12.32 mm with a mean of 10.48 mm. The mean of external diameter of right hepatic duct obtained from the present study was 3.37 mm and the mean internal diameter of right hepatic duct was 2.1 mm. The mean of external and internal diameters of left hepatic duct was found to be 2.54 mm and 1.37 mm respectively.
There is a strong correlation between internal diameter of RHD with external diameter of RHD (Pearson correlation coefficient value of 0.85 with p-value <0.0001); length of LHD with length of RHD (p-value =0.03); internal diameter of LHD with length of RHD (p=0.03) and internal diameter of LHD with external diameter of LHD (p-value=<0.0001).
Conclusion: The length of left and right hepatic ducts were found to range from 18.12 to 24.14 mm (mean 20.77 mm) and from 8.95 to 12.32 mm (mean 10.48 mm) respectively. The mean of external and internal diameters of right hepatic duct were 3.37 mm and 2.1 mm respectively. Similarly, the mean of external and internal diameters of left hepatic duct were found to be 2.54 mm and 1.37 mm respectively.
A strong correlation exists between internal and external diameters of RHD, length of LHD and RHD, the internal diameter of LHD and length of RHD as well as the internal and external diameters of LHD.
Key words: Intrahepatic biliary radicals, Bile ducts, RHD and LHD, Right and left hepatic ducts, cadaveric liver