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Intraoperative Variations of the Gastrocolic Trunk of Henle noted in Gastrointestinal Surgeries
Roshan Ghimire1, Nishant Thapa1, Bidur Prasad Acharya1
1Department of Surgery, Kathmandu Medical College Public Limited, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Insights
The gastro-colic trunk of Henle, a key landmark in gastro-intestinal surgery, shows significant intraoperative variations. Understanding these anatomical variations is crucial for improving surgical outcomes and preventing bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- The gastro-colic trunk of Henle is a critical venous structure formed by veins draining the stomach and colon.
- Its anatomical understanding is vital for enhancing outcomes in gastro-intestinal surgeries.
- Intraoperative variations of this trunk present challenges and necessitate detailed study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intraoperative variations of the gastro-colic trunk of Henle.
- To document the prevalence and types of variations in a tertiary care setting.
- To correlate anatomical knowledge with surgical practice.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over one year.
- Patients undergoing specific gastro-intestinal surgeries (right hemicolectomy, gastrectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy) were included.
- Intraoperative findings documented the type and variations of the gastro-colic trunk.
Main Results:
- The gastro-colic trunk was identified in 91.84% of 49 patients.
- Significant intraoperative variations were observed.
- Type I, involving the right gastro-epiploic, anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and superior right colic veins, was the most common (46.67%).
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative identification of the gastro-colic trunk is challenging due to variable tributaries.
- Knowledge of these anatomical variations is essential for preventing intraoperative bleeding.
- Meticulous surgical identification redefines precision in gastro-intestinal procedures.
Background:
The gastro-colic trunk of Henle is a venous trunk that comprises the veins draining the stomach and colon and is an important landmark for various gastro-intestinal surgeries. Understanding the anatomy of these vessels may enhance the surgical outcome. The aim of this study is, to assess the Intraoperative variations of the Gastrocolic Trunk of Henle noted in gastrointestinal surgeries in a tertiary care center.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Public Limited, a tertiary center in Nepal during the period of one year (1st January 2022, to 31st December 2022). All patients undergoing right hemicolectomy, gastrectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in the study. Based on per-operative findings, the type of The gastro-colic trunk of Henle was noted during surgery.
Results:
A total of 49 patients underwent the above-mentioned surgeries during the study period. The gastro-colic trunk was found in 45 out of the 49 patients intraoperatively (91.84%), and the variations were distinguished. The most common configuration noted was the union of the right gastro-epiploic vein, the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, and the superior right colic vein (Type I), which was noticed in 46.67% of the patients.
Conclusions:
The intraoperative identification of the anatomy of The gastro-colic trunk of Henle is challenging because of its variable combinations of tributaries. Knowledge of variations in The gastro-colic trunk of Henle is important in preventing intraoperative bleeding, and during identification, the meticulousness of surgery is redefined.
