Anatomical characteristics of the inferior epigastric artery in Uygur and its implication in the management of bleeding

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the locations of the inferior epigastric arteries in a group of Uygur by ultrasound and explore the anatomical characteristics of vessels in the management of inferior epigastric bleeding. MethodsThe study included 61 patients. The locations of inferior epigastric arteries through ultrasound were determined at three levels, and the distance from the midline was correlated with patients’ demographics by Pearson correlation coefficient. ResultsThis study included 52 males and nine females, with a mean age of 37.56 years (± SD 3.16) and a mean BMI of 24.34 kg/m2 (± SD 3.71). At the symphysis pubis level, the average distance from the inferior epigastric artery to the midline was 5.98 ± 0.13 cm on the right and 7.32 ± 0.15 cm on the left. At the anterior superior iliac spine level, the average distance of the inferior epigastric artery on the right was 4.12 ± 0.15 cm and 5.2 ± 0.15 cm on the left. The inferior epigastric arteries were 3.86 ± 0.17 cm on the right and 5.06 ± 0.16 cm on the left of the midline at the level midway between the umbilicus and anterior superior iliac spine. ConclusionInferior epigastric arteries were located between 3.5 and 8 cm from the midline, with the right vessel being closer to the midline than the left. The invasive operations through the abdominal wall should avoid these areas to reduce vascular injury. The anatomical characteristics of inferior epigastric arteries may potentially manage inferior epigastric bleeding.