Background: Anatomic variations of cystic ducts are common and continuously encountered during Surgical and radiological interventions. Failure to identify these clinically important variations may result in complications during surgical or endoscopic procedures.Patients and methods: This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study. 65 cadavers in the dissecting rooms of the medical colleges, in which the length and mode of insertion of cystic duct (CD) into common bile duct (CBD) were observed. Results:The mean length of the CD in the cadavers examined was (2.06 ± 1.03) with a minimum length of d" 0.5 cm and a maximum of 5 cm. Regarding the mode of insertion of CD into the CBD; 53.8% were found to have a low junction between the CD and common hepatic duct (CHD) which is considered the normal insertion. 46.2% found to be abnormal variations of insertion; short CD (d"0.5 cm) observed in 10.8%; whereas in 13.8% of cadavers we found that the CD is adherent to the CHD and runs in parallel to it. In 7.8% there was a high junction between the CD and CBD and in 9.2% we found that CD courses anterior or posterior to CBD and joins it medially.Conclusion: CD variations are not uncommon and it is important to identify these anatomical variations. A detailed knowledge of the extra hepatic biliary tract, as well as of its variations, is important for the diagnostic and therapeutic success in many clinical situations since they allow the surgeon prompt identification of certain pathologies, making surgical procedures more accurate and affective.

The aim of this study is to establish anatomical reference regarding PFO among Sudanese as increasing evidence was found that PFO is culprit in paradoxical emboli events; this led to the reevaluation of this relatively important anomaly. We included 60 apparently normal hearts available in Dissection Rooms in five faculties of medicine in Sudan. The rate of PFO was 7 (11.7%) and the diameter was ranging between 5 mm and 21 mm, with average of 0.87 mm. We conclude that PFO is common among Sudanese and was seen in seven cadavers (11.7%).

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