In liver surgery, how can the right or left hepatic artery be addressed if necessary?

When considering the management of the hepatic arteries during liver surgery, it's crucial to understand the vascular anatomy and the implications of ligating either the right or left hepatic artery. The correct answer indicates that one or the other artery can be ligated without significant issues due to the liver's collateral circulation.

The liver receives blood supply from both the hepatic arteries and the portal vein. While both the right and left hepatic arteries supply different segments of the liver, there is sufficient collateral circulation that can maintain perfusion even if one of these arteries is ligated. The right hepatic artery typically supplies the right lobe and part of the caudate lobe, while the left hepatic artery supplies the left lobe and the other part of the caudate lobe.

Ligation of one arterial supply can lead to areas of ischemia; however, the liver's robust collateral network often compensates for this loss in blood flow. In clinical practice, it has been observed that ligation of either the right or left hepatic artery can be managed without leading to significant complications in most cases, particularly if the ligated side has a sufficient alternative blood supply.

This understanding is fundamental in surgical planning, particularly in the context of resection or other liver surgeries, where one might need