Variation in the origin of obturator artery

Abstract

Introduction: An ideal method of exploring the surgical anatomy and the variations and anomalies is the human cadaver. The anatomical region of pelvic cavity consists of a large number of organs and structures. The clear knowledge of vascular pattern and its variations is significant. The laparoscopic surgical procedures for herniorrhaphy and hernio plasty makes the study of the pelvic vascular structures very important. The obturator artery which is normally a branch of anterior division of internal iliac artery has high frequency of variations which brings attention of many anatomists and surgeons to its origin and course. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 24 hemi pelvises of 12 adult cadavers, independent of age and sex dissected in the department of Anatomy, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India. During the dissection, origin and course of the obturator artery were traced. The handy instruction booklet of Anatomy by Cunningham was referred as the standard for all the dissections. Observation and Result: In 22 specimens out of the 24 pelvic halves, the obturator artery originated from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA). The variations were noted in 2 hemi pelvises. In the right and left pelvis of a cadaver, obturator artery was coming from the posterior trunk of IIA. In 91.66% specimen normal origin of the obturator artery was noted i.e. from the anterior trunk of the IIA and in 8.3% specimens it originated from the posterior trunk of IIA. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the obturator artery is frequent in showing disparity in its origin and course. It is usually described as a branch of anterior division of IIA. It can also take origin from posterior division of IIA. The surgeons who deal with the direct, indirect, femoral and obturator hernias need to have a clear knowledge about its variations and relation to the femoral ring. Keywords: Anterior trunk, Posterior trunk, Internal Iliac Artery, Obturator artery,