The Frequency of Anatomical Variants of the Bile Ducts: A Review Based on a Single Classification as Support for Cholangiographic Examinations

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-04, Vol.16 (4), p.e58905-e58905
• Main Authors: Olmedo, Norman B, Dos Santos, José Sebastião, Junior, Jorge Elías
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy & physiology; Bile ducts; Classification; Iatrogenesis; Magnetic resonance imaging
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58905

Complications arising from hepatobiliary surgery can have adverse effects on both the quality of life and the survival of patients. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) techniques are highly effective at revealing anatomical variants of the bile ducts and thus play a vital role in minimizing the occurrence of complications. The aims of this review are threefold: to ascertain the classifications utilized for categorizing anatomical variants of the bile ducts, to present the reported results on the prevalence of these anatomical variants, and to explore the diagnostic modalities employed to visualize these anatomical variants and associated complications during surgical procedures. A review of the literature was carried out using the Cochrane Library database and the PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Google Scholar platforms. We conducted a comprehensive review of relevant studies to categorize the different anatomical variants according to the Huang classification. According to the Huang classification, our study showed type A1, 60.44%; type A2, 11.76%; type A3, 11.73%; type A4, 5.47%; type A5, 0.26%; and type B, which was identified in insignificant numbers (0.16%) or does not appear; additionally, variants that do not fit into the Huang classification have also been identified (10.18%). The Huang classification serves as an invaluable presurgical guide, aiding in the strategic planning of biliary interventions and effectively reducing the risk of iatrogenic complications, morbidity, mortality, and postoperative length of stay. MRC is still considered the noninvasive gold standard method for evaluating the bile ducts and their anatomical variations.