Abstract

Rouviere�¢����s Sulcus: A Useful Anatomical Landmark for Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is accepted as the standard procedure for gallstone disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with more biliary, vascular, and visceral complications when compared with open cholecystectomy. The identification of Rouviere’s sulcus is an additional strategy that can be used to prevent bile duct injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the type of Rouviere’s sulcus. Materials & Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study of 402 patients who presented with symptomatic gallstone disease and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Rouviere’s sulcus was looked for before starting dissection. The frequency and the type of the sulcus were recorded. Results: Out 402 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 284 (70.6%) patients were female and 118 (29.4%) patients were male, with a mean age of 48.4 (range 17-68 years), 221 patients (54.9%) were found to have open sulcus, fused type was found in 98 (24.4%) of patients, and not present in 83 (20.7%) of patients. Conclusion: The easy recognition of Rouviere’s sulcus makes it a dependable landmark during severe acute inflammation. By dissecting ventral to Rouviere’s sulcus, the surgeon ensures that they are operating away from the danger area.

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