Surgical vascular anatomy basis for duodenum-preserving resection of pancreatic head

Objective To study vascular anatomy between the pancreatic head and duodenum,providing anatomy basis for performing surgery of pancreatic head,duodenum and distal common bile duct in surgical practice. Methods Anatomy study was performed in 30 formaldehyde fixed and 10 fresh bodies in reference to blood supply to duodenum,the distal common bile and Vater ampulla. Results The anterior and posterior pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcade gives off branches to descending and horizontal portion of the duodenum. The posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery goes to distal common bile duct. The papilla artery arising from the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery goes to Vater ampulla. Conclusions The pancreaticoduodenal anterior and posterior arterial arcades are main arteries that give off branches to the descending and horizontal portion of the duodenum,distal common bile duct and the Vater ampulla,hence should be carefully protected in duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head.