Correlation between the morphology of the spleen and the vascular pattern at its hilum [research note]

ABSTRACT

The vascular anatomy of the spleen with its segmental architecture offers the opportunity for partial splenectomy. Since the splenic segments cannot be distinguished from the surface, the arteries and veins supplying and draining the part of the spleen to be resected should be identified and ligated as the first step. The aim of this study was to investigate the hilar vascular pattern of the spleen and to correlate it with the shape of the spleen, the presence or absence of notches at the anterior border, and the length of the hilus. Sixty spleens were studied by careful dissection of the hilar vessels. A bifurcation of the splenic artery was not noted in 93.3% and a trifurcation in 6.7%. The Y-type of branching of the hilar vessels with easier access for surgical procedures was noted in 83.3% and a T-type in 16.7%