Calot's Triangle: Proposal to Rename it as Calot's Region and the Concept of 'Ducto-Arterial Plane'

Indian J Surg. 2015 Dec;77(Suppl 3):899-901. doi: 10.1007/s12262-014-1057-y. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

The anatomical description of the area requiring dissection during cholecystectomy is incomplete and incorrect. We carefully observed the anatomy of this region for over 20 years in various biliary pathologies and present our view. Describing this area in the form of triangles is incorrect. There exists a definite plane between the two folds of peritoneum in this region, wherein the cystic duct and the cystic artery traverse. The description of the "triangles" that require dissection during cholecystectomy are not strictly geometrical triangles; hence, the area bounded by these so-called triangles should be renamed as "Calot's region." The surgeons should take advantage of the existence of a definite "ducto-arterial plane" in the Calot's region and dissect it sharply to avoid ductal and vascular injuries.

Keywords: Bile duct; Calot’s triangle; Cholecystectomy; Cystic artery; Cystic duct; Triangle of cholecystectomy.