DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i07.066

Pages: 2612-2615

The branches of Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ileocecal, right colic and middle colic arteries and those from Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are the left colic, sigmoid arteries, supply large intestine from cecum to the sigmoid colon. These arteries form a continuous anastomotic arterial arcade by dividing into 2 branches in opposite directions parallel to the large intestine called marginal artery. In routine dissection of abdominal region for undergraduate students (2015-2016 batches) an unusual arterial variation was observed. During the dissection of mesentery and mesenteric vessels, branches of superior mesenteric artery were carefully dissected and two rare branches were found to take origin from it. They are right gastro epiploic artery and the common arterial trunk for right, middle, left colic arteries from superior mesenteric artery. Anatomical variations of splanchnic arteries can be explained on embryological basis. Colon is ideal for salvage procedures like oesophageal reconstruction owing to its length, mucosal acid resistance and its rich blood supply. Perfusion to the colon can be compromised by changes in the systemic circulation or by anatomic or functional changes in the local mesenteric vasculature. The knowledge is essential in colonic surgeries performed in various indications and reinforces the importance of pre operative angiography to avoid post operative complications.