The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery is the first branch of the superior mesenteric artery, arising just below the pancreatic neck and dividing into anterior and inferior branches that run in the groove between the pancreatic head and duodenum. It anastomoses with the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery branches from the gastroduodenal artery, creating the pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcade.
The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery is the SMA branch most at risk during SMA embolectomy, bypass procedures for chronic mesenteric ischaemia, and SMA thrombosis. Acute SMA occlusion proximal to the IPDA produces pancreatitis-like ischaemia of the pancreatic head alongside small bowel infarction. During pancreaticoduodenectomy, the IPDA is divided from the SMA side to free the uncinate process; unrecognised SMA injury at this division step is a catastrophic complication.
Division of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery from the SMA during pancreaticoduodenectomy uncinate process dissection requires careful identification of the SMA trunk to prevent inadvertent SMA injury in an area obscured by the portal vein and mesenteric vein that must be lifted anteriorly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
