The supraduodenal artery

Area of Science:

• Anatomical studies
• Surgical anatomy
• Vascular anatomy

Background:

• The supraduodenal artery is a significant anatomical structure in the upper abdomen.
• Understanding its variations and origins is crucial for surgical procedures in the hepatobiliary and duodenal regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and anatomical course of the supraduodenal artery.
• To identify the common origins and distribution patterns of the supraduodenal artery.
• To document its anastomoses with adjacent arteries.

Main Methods:

• Dissection and macroscopic examination of 30 human cadaveric specimens.
• Detailed analysis of the supraduodenal artery's origin, course, and distribution.
• Documentation of its relationship with the gastroduodenal artery, right gastric artery, and pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

Main Results:

• The supraduodenal artery was identified in 28 out of 30 specimens (93.3%).
• The most frequent origin was the gastroduodenal artery (26 cases), with two instances arising from the pericholedochal plexus.
• Consistent distribution to the distal two-thirds of the superior duodenum, extending to supra- and retroduodenal common bile duct portions was observed. Anastomoses with the right gastric artery and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery occurred in approximately half the cases.

Conclusions:

• The supraduodenal artery is a consistently present vessel with a predominant origin from the gastroduodenal artery.
• Its consistent vascularization of the duodenum and common bile duct highlights its importance in surgical planning.
• Variations in origin and frequent anastomoses underscore the need for detailed preoperative anatomical assessment.