Variations in the Branches of Abdominal Aorta- A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction: Variations in abdominal aorta and its branches, which occur due to embryological developmental changes, are frequently observed. Knowledge of these variations and their relation to surrounding structures is important in regards to various intra-abdominal procedures. The study aims to assess the variations present in branching pattern of abdominal aorta.

Methods:  This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Duwakot on all the cadavers received during previous two years. Carefully dissected abdominal aorta was observed for the origin of its branches, and branching pattern and variations found were recorded in prepared table form.

Results: In this study, twenty adult cadavers available in the department for study purpose were dissected. Out of twenty, twelve cadavers were of males and eight were of females. Two (10%) of them showed variation in the origins of inferior mesenteric and the gonadal arteries. No variations were observed in relation to other branches of the aorta.

Conclusion: The variation of branches of abdominal aorta do occur sporadically thus knowledge of the anatomy may be helpful in diagnostic and surgical procedure