Cholecystectomy Revealing a Cystic Artery Draining Directly onto the Gallbladder Body: A Case Report and Surgical Implications

Anatomical variations of the cystic artery can be encountered unexpectedly during routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may carry significant risk of intraoperative hemorrhage or biliary injury when not recognized. These variations have important clinical implications, as unrecognised vascular anomalies can contribute to increased intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open surgery, and longer operative time. Awareness of such variants helps reduce morbidity and ensures safer dissection within Calot’s triangle. We report the case of a patient admitted for symptomatic gallstone disease in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy revealed a cystic artery inserting directly onto the gallbladder body. The artery was carefully dissected, clipped at its entry on the gallbladder wall, and divided; the procedure was completed without complication. We discuss the potential impact of this variant on surgical safety and postoperative outcomes, highlighting preventive strategies to avoid vascular and biliary injury.