Anatomy of the hilar plate for surgical approach to hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

The communicating arcade between the right and left hepatic arteries is extrahepatically located on the hilar plate, and plays an important role not only in the interlobar arterial collateral system but also in the blood supplies to the hilar bile duct. Reclassification of the liver to divide the right liver into 3 segments facilitates an understanding of relationships between the hilar portal and biliary systems. We believe that recognition of this anatomy of the hilar plate is useful in surgical approach to hilar cholangiocarcinoma.