The need for careful operative dissection in Moosman's area during cholecystectomy.

Anatomy contributes two operative difficulties to the surgeon during cholecystectomy; one is access or exposure, and second is variation. Eighty-five per cent of all variations in the hepatic pedicle are found within Moosman's area which is an area the size of a fifty cent coin in the cystohepatic duct angle. Fifty per cent of the variation within Moosman's area is a potential hazard during cholecystectomy. Vessels passing ventrally are most important because bile ducts may be injured in efforts to stop hemorrhage from these vessels. Moosman's (25) area is indeed the zone of careful operative procedure in cholecystectomy.