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Superior Vesical Artery

arteria vesicalis superior

The superior vesical artery is the largest bladder supply, arising from the patent proximal portion of the umbilical artery. The distal umbilical artery obliterates to form the medial umbilical ligament (ligamentum umbilicale mediale) visible as a peritoneal fold on the bladder dome. The superior vesical artery is ligated during radical cystectomy and prostatectomy and must be identified before pelvic node dissection.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Proximal part of the umbilical artery (the patent proximal section — the distal section obliterates to form the medial umbilical ligament)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

During laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the superior vesical artery is one of the first structures encountered after entering the space of Retzius — its branches to the bladder neck must be controlled before bladder neck dissection. During ureteral reimplantation, the superior vesical artery provides the key blood supply to the reimplanted ureter that must be preserved.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Superior Vesical Artery in Pelvic Surgery

Superior vesical artery ligation during pelvic surgery risks bladder and ureteral ischaemia — preserved when possible during nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.