Cadaveric Study of Rouviere's Sulcus: An Important Surgical Landmark in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective: Identification of the Rouviere's sulcus as an extra biliary landmark during laparoscopic cholecystectomy helps to reduce the iatrogenic injuries of common bile duct (CBD). Therefore, this study was carried out to assess its frequency, morphology, and its relation with the CBD in cadaveric liver specimens.
Methods: An observational study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, during a period of 2021 -2023. Fifty liver specimens without any previously recorded liver or extra hepatic biliary pathology were dissected and observed. During dissections, Rouviere's sulcus was identified, and its morphology of open type, closed, or scar-like shapes was noted, and the CBD and its relation with the Rouviere's sulcus was observed.
Results: Rouviere's sulcus was identified in 35/50 (70%), whereas 15/50 (30%) it could not be seen. Among the 35/50 livers with Rouviere's sulcus, 20 /35 (57%) were of open type, 10/35 (28%) were close type, and scar like seen in 5/35 (15%). Among these 35 liver specimens, in 28/35 (80%) the Rouviere's sulcus was above the level of CBD line. In 5/35 (14%) the sulcus was at the same level. in 2/35 (6%) the sulcus was below the line of CBD.
Conclusion: Identification of Rouviere's sulcus can be helpful as an additional landmark as its close relation to CBD.