Vascular anatomy of the pancreaticoduodenal region: A review

Vascular anatomy of the pancreaticoduodenal region has been the subject of numerous studies. However, several essential areas of confusion remain in interpretation of the vascular configuration. We note and discuss three key points in relation to this confusion: (1) a missing vascular arcade, (2) a rearrangement of the arcade by collateral and/or transverse vessels, and (3) a solitary vessel without an accompanying comites vein or artery. In addition, we consider that different interpretations as well as varying reported incidences depend on different "thresholds" when observations are made. Consideration of new aspects of vascular anatomy of the pancreaticoduodenal region is required for further improvement of surgical procedures. In terms of the selection of lymph node resection procedure, we discuss mainly the inferior arterial origin. Special attention should be paid to the ligation of inferior arteries because of the high incidence of the common trunk formation of the upper jejunal and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. With regard to duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection for benign tumors, our observations are introduced in view of either arterial or venous configuration. First, a communicating artery between the anterior and posterior arterial arcades is noted because of its possible critical role in blood supply to the papilla of Vater. Second, a venous drainage route from the duodenum to the retroperitoneal space in "normal" specimens is described. Received for publication on June 17, 1998; accepted on July 27, 1998