Hepatic artery transection reconstructed with splenic artery transposition graft.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatic artery transection presents a technical challenge in vascular reconstruction. Formal arterial repair is indicated in patients with underlying liver disease and those undergoing bile duct reconstructions because of a higher risk of complication following hepatic artery injury. This report highlights a novel approach to hepatic artery transection with splenic artery transposition.

Methods: A case of hepatic artery transection repaired with splenic artery transposition is presented with an accompanying literature review.

Results: During elective pancreaticoduodenectomy, the common hepatic artery was injured at its origin. The splenic artery was divided and transposed to the hepatic artery, thus restoring arterial flow to the liver and bile duct.

Conclusion: Various strategies to manage a hepatic artery injury have been described, ranging from ligation to complex vascular reconstruction. In hemodynamically stable patients, arterial transposition using the splenic artery is a feasible method to ensure adequate arterial supply to the liver and biliary tract.