The clinical relevance of coeliac trunk variations

Abstract

The coeliac trunk is a surgically significant artery originating from the abdominal aorta and supplying the supracolic organs. Branches of this arterial trunk supply the primary organs of the abdomen and divert a significant volume of blood from the abdominal aorta. Past research has shown that the anatomy of the coeliac trunk is not identical for all human beings and that about 15% of the population displays significant variations from the typical branching pattern. Data derived from earlier research has been consolidated to give an account of the major variations found in the anatomy of the coeliac trunk and to put forward some theories for the cause of such variation. It is crucial to achieve full comprehension of these topics as knowledge of these variations is indispensable in operative and diagnostic procedures within the abdomen. Without understanding of the arterial architecture and knowledge of the variation characterising the patient in this critical region surgery may entail a considerable risk of an error being committed that may occasionally lead to lethal complications.