Variations in the Branching Pattern of the Celiac Trunk in a Kenyan Population

The celiac trunk is the major source of blood supply to the supracolic abdominal compartment. Usually, it branches into the splenic, common hepatic and left gastric arteries to supply this region. It has however been shown to display ethnic variations in its branching pattern. Knowledge of these variations may be important in surgical and radiological procedures around the head of the pancreas. The aim was to illustrate the commonest variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk in a Kenyan population. The study was conducted in the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi. Were collected one hundred twenty three (123) bodies obtained from dissection cadavers and autopsy cases following ethical approval and consent from next of kin. Gross dissection of the anterior abdominal wall using an extended midline incision and retraction of the liver and stomach was performed. The celiac trunk was trifurcated in 76 (61.7%), bifurcated in 22 (17.9%) and gave collaterals in 25 (20.3%). Dorsal pancreatic artery was the most common collateral and occurred in 14.8%. Other branches included gastroduodenal and inferior phrenic arteries present in 3.3% and 4.9% respectively. The Kenyan population has a higher incidence of bifurcation and collateral branching of the celiac trunk hence need for caution during surgical procedures of the supracolic abdominal compartment.