A Study on Anatomical variations of Coeliac Trunk and Its Branches

Thorough knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of major unpaired arteries originating from the abdominal aorta is necessary to accomplish successful abdominal operations and to avoid complications. The coeliac artery, commonly known as the coeliac trunk (CT), is a major visceral branch of the abdominal aorta originating at its anterior contour just below the aortic hiatus of diaphragm at the level of T12L1 vertebral bodies. During routine dissection on adult cadavers in Anatomy department, we found some variations in the branching pattern of the coeliac trunk. Classical branching pattern observed in majority of the cases, trifurcation of coeliac trunk as common hepatic artery, splenic artery and left gastric artery seen in 45.7% cases. Bifurcation of Coeliac Trunk was seen in two specimens (6.6%). One female cadaver showed collateral branch from coeliac trunk. Knowledge of variations found in the current study will be very helpful in surgical, oncologic or interventional procedures and can be keep in mind to avoid complications.