Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Robot Assisted Distal Pancreatectomy with Celiac Axis Resection (DP-CAR) for Pancreatic Cancer: Surgical Planning and Technique
Published on: August 14, 2021
Unusual course of the common hepatic artery originating from the celiac trunk
Mo Jin Wang1, Zhong Cheng, Rui Wang
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Insights
This case report details a rare anatomical variation of the common hepatic artery originating from the celiac trunk and crossing posterior to the portal vein. This finding is crucial for surgical planning in general surgery procedures.
Area of Science:
- Vascular anatomy
- Surgical anatomy
- Hepatic artery variations
Background:
- Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery are critical for effective surgical planning.
- Understanding these variations aids in preventing intraoperative complications during general surgery.
Observation:
- A rare anatomical variation was identified during a distal partial gastrectomy.
- The common hepatic artery originated from the celiac trunk.
- It coursed posterior to the portal vein.
Findings:
- The common hepatic artery exhibited an unusual anatomical course.
- The artery crossed posterior to the portal vein, a rare positional anomaly.
- This variation was observed in a male patient during a gastrectomy procedure.
Implications:
- Accurate anatomical knowledge is vital for surgeons to prevent vascular injuries.
- This case highlights the importance of pre-operative imaging and anatomical awareness.
- Such variations necessitate careful surgical dissection and planning in abdominal procedures.
Abstract:
The knowledge of anatomical variations in hepatic artery is of importance to surgeons in planning effective therapeutic strategies for general surgery. Apart from the different source and number variations, the unusual course was also discovered during the angiography and anatomical dissection. The present case report shows a rare case in which the common hepatic artery arising from the celiac trunk, crossed the portal vein, positioning itself at the back of this structure, found in a male patient undergoing distal partial gastrectomy.
Related Concept Videos
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Blood Supply to the Digestive System
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
Hepatic Portal System
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Thoracic Aorta
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
