DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i03.068

Pages: 1370-1375

Portal vein is formed by union of superior mesenteric vein and splenic veins behind the neck of pancreas in front of inferior vena cava and at the level of L2 vertebra. Embryologically portal vein is formed by the selective involution of vitelline veins. Any change in the anastomotic pattern of vitelline veins during development results in many PV variations. Knowledge of variations regarding the formation, termination of tributaries of portal vein, superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein are very useful and important for surgeons performing surgeries on pancreas and duodenum, for liver surgeries and interventional procedures. It is helpful for radiologists while performing radiological procedures. There is paucity of literature available on these variants. Considering its importance, the study was conducted on total 40 embalmed cadavers (22 males and 18 females) during routine dissection in dept. of Anatomy, B.J. Govt Medical College, Pune. The different types of portal vein formation were noted. Present study showed predominant type II in 47.5% population, type Ia in 30% and type Ib in 22.5%. Few cases showed inferior mesenteric vein and either colic or jejunal vein opening directly into commencement of portal vein.