RESECTION OF ANEURYSMS IN VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE HEPATIC-ARTERY

The authors report two cases of aneurysms of the hepatic artery, one of which, with a intrahepatic localisation, was complicated by rupture and infection. The etiology was atherosclerotic in the case involving the main trunk of the hepatic artery, and polyarteritis nodosa in the case with intrahepatic involvement. Both were resected; the extrahepatic aneurysm was excised and a venous graft inserted, whereas in the one with intrahepatic involvement, right lobectomy was performed. On the basis of these cases, the authors discuss the various etiologies and the problems related to the indications and surgical techniques for aneurysms of the main trunk of the hepatic artery and those of its intrahepatic branches.