LAUSR

Address for Correspondence: Dr. R. Senthamizhselvi M.D.(Anatomy), Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Chengalpattu Medical College, Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu, India. Contact no.: 9080637507E-Mail: [email protected] Background and Aims: Spleen is supplied principally by splenic artery. In some spleens, additional arteries supply the superior or inferior pole of the spleen. The presence of such polar arteries in addition to the main splenic artery provides a firm base for the preservation of spleen during partial splenectomy and splenic artery embolization procedures. The aim of the present study is to observe the incidence of inferior polar artery and its origin in adult human spleens. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical committee clearance, this observational study was done in Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital. Fifty adult human spleens were dissected out along with the entire course of splenic artery from the embalmed cadavers (35 males and 15 females). The spleen artery and its branches was traced by piecemeal dissection. Inferior polar branches, if present were dissected and traced. Results: In the present study, Inferior polar artery was found in 72% of the splenic specimens. The inferior polar artery was originating from splenic artery in 55.56 %, left gastoepiploic artery in 25% and inferior terminal branch of splenic artery in 19.44% of splenic specimens. Conclusion: Inferior polar artery originates from the splenic artery directly or inferior terminal branch of splenic artery or from the left gastroepiploic artery. The knowledge of the presence of inferior polar artery and its variations in origin is important for Surgeons, Interventional Radiologists and Surgical Gastroenterologists for performing surgical procedures involving the spleen.