VARIATIONS IN THE BRANCHING PATTERN OF COELIAC ARTERY IN ADULT HUMAN CADAVERS OF TAMILNADU WITH CLINICAL AND EMBRYOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Abstract

Background and objectives: Variations in the branching pattern of coeliac artery not only interest the anatomist but a thorough knowledge of their normal and variant anatomy is very essential for surgeons and radiologists because of their impact in visceral surgery and medico legal implications. The aim of this study is to observe and analyse the variations in the branching pattern of coeliac artery. Materials and methods: The study material comprised of fifty embalmed adult human cadavers obtained from Institute Of Anatomy, Madras Medical College. Dissection was done as per Cunningham’s manual. Results: Among fifty specimens, 4% specimens depicted a rare variation where the coeliac artery quadrifurcated into left gastric artery, splenic artery, common hepatic artery and dorsal pancreatic artery. In 78% specimens coeliac artery gave origin to its three classic branches and in 18% specimens the coeliac artery gave origin to inferior phrenic arteries in addition to its classic branches. Conclusion: Knowing the vascular anatomy, their incidence and variations help surgeons to plan and individualize the treatment strategy accordingly. This remarkably improves the safety and success of the surgery and lowers postoperative morbidity.