Hepatic artery ligation: a simple and safe technique to treat extrahepatic aneurysms of the hepatic artery

Background Treatment of patients with extrahepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to report 4 patients with HAAs treated by ligation and to underline the rationale of this technique. Methods From 2000 to 2006, 4 consecutive patients, including 1 with bile duct compression and 1 with hemobilia, presented with symptomatic HAAs. Preoperative imaging included spiral computed axial tomography with computed axial tomography–assisted arteriography in all patients and diagnostic arteriography in 1 patient. One patient underwent unsuccessful transarterial embolization. All patients were treated surgically by ligation with preservation of the collateral network identified by preoperative imaging. Results During a 6- to 70-month range of follow-up, there was no postoperative mortality, surgical morbidity, or adverse consequences on liver function tests. Conclusions Ligation is a simple and efficient treatment in patients with symptomatic extrahepatic artery aneurysm, even those with bile duct obstruction.