Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The portal vein (PV) begins at the level of 2nd lumbar vertebrae and measures
approximately 8cm long. In the lesser omentum the PV lies posterior to both common bile duct
and hepatic artery. The main extrahepatic tributaries of portal vein are left gastric and posterior
superior pancreatoduodenal vein. PV is formed posterior to the neck of pancreas, by the union of
SMV and SV passes posterior to the first part of duodenum and anterior to IVC and enters the
free border of lesser omentum. The vein then ascends towards the porta hepatis in the anterior
margin of lesser omentum, at the porta hepatis it divides into right and left branches.
Objective: To assess morphologic and morphometric variations of extrahepatic portal vein
among Ethiopian cadavers.
Method and materials: A descriptive study based on observation and morphometry was
done on embalmed human cadavers. This study was carried out in the dissection rooms of the
Departments of Human Anatomy of University of Gondar, Bahr Dar, Addis Ababa, Wello,
Madawollabu, Wolkitie and Debre Markos Universities, St. Paul’s Millennium Medical College
and Gambi Private Medical College. The study populations were 21 embalmed Ethiopian
cadavers prepared for teaching purpose. The portal vein was cleaned and observed starting at its
formation up to its termination at porta hepatis. The observations related to morphological
variations of PV and its tributaries were captured and recorded and its relation with neck of
pancreas was recorded. The length and diameter of PV for each case was measured with
precisely calibrated, standard sliding vernier caliper.
Result: Type I pattern of formation of Portal vein was observed in 17 cases (80.95%) while
Type II Pattern was observed in 4 cadavers (19.04%). Of the 17 bodies having Type I pattern of
formation11cases (52.38%) were reclassified as type Ia and 6 bodies (28.57%) as type Ib. The
mean length and diameter of the portal vein of the 21 cadavers studied were 60.36 mm and 16.73
mm, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the present study, of the three types described the type Ia was the
predominant followed by type Ib and type II, respectively. The dimensions of portal vein are
affected in portal hypertension and various other pathological conditions affecting the organs
related to the portal system. Hence, our findings could be used as a base line for further research
conducted in Ethiopia.
