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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2006; 12(33): 5357-5359
Published online Sep 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i33.5357
Autopsy study of anatomical features of the posterior gastric artery for surgical contribution
Takehiro Okabayashi, Michiya Kobayashi, Isao Nishimori, Kazuya Yuri, Takanori Miki, Yoshiki Takeuchi, Saburo Onishi, Kazuhiro Hanazaki, Keijiro Araki
Takehiro Okabayashi, Michiya Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Hanazaki, Keijiro Araki, Department of Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu-Okocho, Nankoku-City, Japan
Isao Nishimori, Saburo Onishi, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu-Okocho, Nankoku-City, Japan
Kazuya Yuri, Department of Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu-Okocho, Nankoku-City, Japan
Takanori Miki, Yoshiki Takeuchi, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kagawa University, Ikenobe-Kidagun, Japan
Correspondence to: Dr. Takehiro Okabayashi, Department of Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu-Okocho, Nankoku-City 783-8505, Japan. tokabaya@med.kochi-u.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-88-8802370 Fax: +81-88-8802371
Received: March 19, 2006
Revised: March 28, 2006
Accepted: April 21, 2006
Published online: September 7, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate features of the posterior gastric artery (PGA) with respect to incidence, location and size by using autopsy subjects.

METHODS: Autopsies were performed on 72 cadavers of adults with no history of abdominal operations. The localization of the PGA, the distance between the root of the splenic artery and the origin of the PGA, and the external diameter of the PGA were examined.

RESULTS: The PGA was recognized in all patients. In 70 (97.2%) cadavers, the PGA branched from the splenic artery, and one female in this group had two PGAs. In 1 (1.4%) patient, the PGA originated from the root of the celiac trunk and in another (1.4%) patient, the PGA branched from the superior polar artery. Overall, the PGA extended for a length of 5.8-12.2 (mean, 8.4) cm from the root of the splenic artery, and the external diameter of the PGA was 1.2-3.2 (mean, 2) mm.

CONCLUSION: The anatomical features of the PGA can be readily observed and characterized by autopsy. This study has provided valuable information on the features of the PGA useful in the planning of surgical treatment.

Keywords: Posterior gastric artery, Gastric carcinoma, Autopsy