Background and aims:The gallbladder and extra-hepatic biliary system are more often called for operative treatment as compared to any other intra-abdominal viscera, being second only to vermiform appendix. With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, sound knowledge of cystic artery and its variations has gained paramount importance. The very limited field of vision during laparoscopic surgeries can lead to intra- and post-operative complications, the most serious being haemorrhage and bile leakage. Materials and Methods: In the present study 40 adult cadavers were studied for site of origin of cystic artery and relations of cystic artery (origin) to Calot’s triangle and to the biliary ducts. Results: In 23 cases, cystic artery originated from right hepatic artery, from proper hepatic artery in 8 cases, from superior mesenteric artery in 6 cases, from segmental branch of left hepatic artery in 2 cases and in 1 case from common hepatic artery. In 35 specimens cystic artery originated outside the Calot’s triangle. In 28 specimens cystic artery was lying medial to cystic duct. In 27 specimens cystic artery was lateral to common hepatic duct and it passed anterior to common hepatic duct in 13 specimens. These variations are seen due to the alterations of the pattern of absorption of vessels during intrauterine life. Conclusion: The present study not only adds knowledge to the existing literature, but also, helps both the interventional radiologists and the surgeons in reducing the chances of injury to cystic artery and biliary ducts which usually lead to complications, morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Cystic Artery; Calot’s Triangle; Gallbladder; Cholecystectomy.