Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: Assessment of diameter, length, tortuosity of splenic artery and its branches with its surgical implications. Materials & methods: A total of 20 formalin preserved cadavers were enrolled. An incision was made in each cadaver in the midline from xiphoid process till the umbilicus and extended it till pubic symphysis encircling the umbilicus. Skin flaps and superficial fascia were reflected by blunt dissection. The course of splenic artery dissected along with pancreas. The diameter of splenic artery was measured 1cm before terminal branching. The diameters of superior and inferior were measured 5mm from the bifurcation. The length of the artery was measured by using measuring tape with tortuosity and after removing tortuosity by straitening the artery. Tortuosity was calculated by dividing length without tortuosity to length with tortuosity. Its variations about length, diameter was observed and noted down. Results: The splenic trunk divided into two primary branches in 80 percent and three primary branches 20 percent of the case. Superior polar artery was present in 32%, inferior polar artery was present in 38% and in 10% both superior and inferior polar arteries were seen. The mean distance of the point of division of splenic artery from the hilum was 4.80 cm, maximum 6.1 cm and minimum was 3.5 cm. The mean length of splenic artery with tortuosity was 9.71 cm. The mean length of splenic artery without tortuosity was 12.98 cm. Conclusion: During the surgical approach over the spleen andextrahepatic billiary apparatus it is imperative for thesurgeon to take the note of such anomalous origin ofsplenic artery.