Study On Primary Segmental Branches Of Splenic Artery In Cadaveric Spleens By Dissection Method

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Spleen plays an important function in immunity and haematological functions. So, nowadays totalsplenectomy is replaced by splenic conservative surgeries. Partial removal of spleen is possible, as the spleenis divided into various segments, supplied by its own artery. The present study was undertaken to know about thesegmental branches of splenic artery.Objectives: 1.To study the number of primary segmental branches of splenic artery. 2. to measure the distancebetween the termination of splenic artery and hilum.Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 79 adult human cadaver spleens by dissectionmethod, irrespective of their age and sex, fixed in 10% formalin solution, collected from the Department ofAnatomy and Forensic Medicine, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore.Results: Two primary segmental branches were seen in 56 (70.9%) specimens, three primary segmental brancheswere seen in 19 (24.1%) specimens and four primary segmental branches were seen in 4 (5.1%) specimens. Themean distance between termination of splenic artery and hilum of the spleen was 2.1 cm. and the range wasextending from 0.3 cm to 6.1 cm.Conclusion: The present study adds up to the existing knowledge regarding the segmental branches of splenicartery, the better anatomical knowledge about segmental distribution of splenic artery and its variations areimportant for the partial removal of the spleen.