Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40411573›Full record

SynthesisSurgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA2025

A cautionary tale of anatomical variations of the extrahepatic biliary system and their implications for surgical procedures: a systematic literature review.

Andrew Chiagozie Ekwesianya, Boluwatife Oladapo Ayantunde, Abraham Abiodun Ayantunde

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Andrew Chiagozie EkwesianyaDepartment of Surgery, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-Sea, England, UK. andrewekwesianya@gmail.com.
Boluwatife Oladapo AyantundeDepartment of Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich Teaching Hospital, Norwich, England, UK.
Abraham Abiodun AyantundeDepartment of Surgery, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-Sea, England, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe hepatobiliary system has the most associated anatomical variations in the body and they are a direct reflection of the complexity of its embryological development. The anatomical pattern commonly described as 'normal' occurs only in 57-72% of the population. The objective of the study is to review the English Language published literature on the prevalence of the anatomical extra-hepatic biliary system variations and their potential implications for surgical and endoscopic procedures. This will assist both practicing and trainee surgeons in preventing biliary tract injuries while operating in this area. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PICO framework across SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases. Study characteristics and relevant data were collated. The prevalence of the most clinically important anatomical variations is presented.

resultsSeventy studies, encompassing 17,207 subjects, were included: 27 studies (9,738 subjects) on cystic duct variations, 17 studies (2,633 subjects) on gallbladder variations, and 26 studies (4,836 subjects) on cystic artery variations. Notable findings include low insertion (11.2%), medial insertion (9.8%), and parallel course (7.4%) of the cystic duct, Hartmann's pouch in 12.2% of gallbladders, and the cystic artery originating from the right hepatic artery in 83.6% or other sources in 16.4%. Moynihan's hump of the right hepatic artery was found in 1.8%.

conclusionThese variations are frequent and surgically relevant. Understanding them is critical to avoiding complications. Employing the critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy ensures proper visualization of anatomical structures, reducing the risk of injury.

Indexed as

Anatomic VariationBile Ducts, ExtrahepaticCystic DuctGallbladderHumansAberrantAccessoryAnatomical variationsAnomalyBile ductBiliary tractCystic arteryCystic ductExtrahepaticGallbladder

Identifiers

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.