Prevalence of variations of the cystic artery in the Sudanese.

The anatomy of the cystic artery is very variable, creating potential problems during surgery. This study documents variations in the origin of the cystic artery and its location in relation to the biliary ducts among 106 Sudanese people and compared the variations between the sexes and races. The cystic artery originated from the right hepatic artery in 78% of cases, the common hepatic artery in 17%, the left hepatic artery in 2% and the gastroduodenal artery in 3% (other arteries 0%). No differences were found between the sexes. Statistically significant variations in the origin and position of the cystic artery were found comparing these data with previous studies in Caucasians and Asians.