Left Gastroepiploic Artery Research Articles

Combined Robotic and Vaginal Surgery for Pelvic Exenteration Due to Vaginal Sarcoma Relapse in an Obese Woman

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is an aggressive surgical procedure that implies a large hard-to-fill pelvic defect. Different reconstruction techniques were proposed to improve abdominal organ support and reduce complications (infections, pelvic organs herniation, vaginal stump dehiscence, bowel prolapse and obstruction) [1], with conflicting results [2]. Because of young age and survival greater than 50% at 5 years in patients with no residual tumor after surgery [3], a new approach with better clinical results to pelvic reconstruction is needed. The aim of this surgical film is to present an unusual presentation of vaginal sarcoma, successfully managed with a minimally invasive approach, and to illustrate our contextual multilayer technique of pelvic reconstruction using a combination of pedicled omental flap (POF) and human acellular dermal matrix (HADM). Tertiary level academic hospital. A 42-year-old obese patient with recurrent and symptomatic myxoid leiomyosarcoma, previously underwent vaginal-assisted laparoscopic surgery at a primary care center for the removal of a vaginal swelling. The multidisciplinary board determined anterior PE as the optimal therapeutic approach. Given the patient's body mass index (33 kg/m2), young age, and the favorable outcomes of robotic surgery in obese patients compared with other approaches [3,4], we proposed a combined robotic and vaginal surgery for both exenteration and reconstructive procedures [5]. During surgery, we initially explored the abdominal cavity to exclude macroscopic metastasis, followed by anterior PE. Urinary diversion was achieved with a Bricker ileal conduit by means of an ileoileal laterolateral anastomosis and an uretero-ileo-cutaneostomy. The pelvic dead space was partially filled with a POF on the left gastroepiploic artery. Subsequently, the pelvic defect was covered by a 15 × 10 mm HADM inlay inserted circumferentially at the pelvic brim, fixed with a barbed thread suture on residual pelvic structures. The final pathology confirmed the recurrence of myxoid leiomyosarcoma and indicated tumor-free resection margins. The intraoperative and postoperative periods were uneventful. The patient was discharged 14 days after surgery and underwent adjuvant doxorubicin- and dacarbazine-based chemotherapy, which was initiated 45 days after the surgery. Currently the patient is asymptomatic and disease free at the sixth month of follow-up. Robotic PE proves to be a feasible technique in obese patients, reducing postoperative hospital stay and complications. The contextual pelvic floor reconstruction with a POF and HADM supports abdominal viscera, diminishing interorgan adhesions and bowel prolapse. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Unveiling the hidden: identification and management of overlooked blood vessels in laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for splenic flexure cancer

BackgroundDuring laparoscopic left hemicolectomy procedures, a previously overlooked consistently thick blood vessel within the gastrocolic ligament near the splenic hilum may contribute to post-operative bleeding complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the identification and management of the previously overlooked blood vessel.MethodsThis is a retrospective descriptive study of patients undergoing laparoscopic left colectomy for splenic fexure cancer conducted at a national gastrointestinal surgery centre in China. Consecutive patients with splenic fexure cancer who underwent laparoscopic left colectomy using our“five-step process”(n = 34) between January 2021 and July 2023 were included.ResultsThe vessels can be effectively exposed using the aforementioned “five-step process.” It was observed that the overlooked vessels consistently present in all patients were identified as the omental branch of the left gastroepiploic artery and vein.ConclusionWe have identified the origin of previously overlooked blood vessels and recommended a safe method for their management. This may offer advantages to colorectal surgeons performing laparoscopic left colectomy for splenic flexure cancer

Blood flow evaluation of reconstructed gastric tube in esophageal surgery using near-infrared imaging and retrospective time-intensity curve analysis.

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG-NIFI) can visualize a blood flow in reconstructed gastric tube; however, it depends on surgeon's visual assessment. The aim of this study was to re-analyze the ICG-NIFI data by an evaluator independent from the surgeon and feasibility of creating the time-intensity curve (TIC). We retrospectively reviewed 97 patients who underwent esophageal surgery with gastric tube reconstruction between January 2017 and November 2022. From the stored ICG videos, fluorescence intensity was examined in the four regions of interest (ROIs), which was set around the planned anastomosis site on the elevated gastric tube. After creation the TICs using the OpenCV library, we measured the intensity starting point and time constant and assessed the correlation between the anastomotic leakage. Postoperative leakage occurred for 12 patients. The leakage group had significantly lack of blood flow continuity between the right and left gastroepiploic arteries (75.0% vs. 22.4%; P < 0.001) and tended to have slower ICG visualization time assessed by the surgeon's eyes (40 vs. 32s; P = 0.066). TIC could create in 65 cases. Intensity starting point at all ROIs was faster than the surgeon's assessment. The leakage group tended to have slower intensity starting point at ROI 3 compared to those in the non-leakage group (22.5 vs. 19.0s; P = 0.087). A TIC analysis of ICG-NIFI by an independent evaluator was able to quantify the fluorescence intensity changes that the surgeon had visually determined.

Comprehensive analysis of splenic artery variations using computed tomography angiography: development of the IPALGEA classification system.

The splenic artery, an essential component of abdominal vascular anatomy, exhibits significant variations with clinical implications in surgical and radiological procedures. The lack of a standardized classification system for these variations hinders comparative studies and surgical planning. This study introduces the IPALGEA classification system, based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings, to address this gap. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 302 patients who underwent CTA at a tertiary university hospital between August 2021 and January 2022. The study focused on the evaluation of splenic artery variations, including the origin, course, terminal branching patterns, and the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The IPALGEA classification was developed to standardize the reporting of these variations. The study highlighted a significant prevalence of splenic artery variations, with the most common pattern being a superior course relative to the pancreas. The IPALGEA classification effectively categorized these variations, emphasizing the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The findings revealed that the bifurcation distance of the celiac trunk varied significantly between genders and that the presence of an inferior polar artery correlated with a shorter hilus distance. The IPALGEA classification offers a comprehensive and standardized approach to categorize splenic artery variations. This system enhances our understanding of abdominal vascular anatomy and has significant implications for surgical and radiological procedures, potentially reducing surgical complications and improving patient outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization of omental artery aneurysm: A single-center experience.

Omental artery aneurysm (OAA) is an extremely rare visceral artery aneurysm. Ruptured OAAs are associated with a high mortality rate. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been used to treat OAA in recent years. However, the risk of omental ischemia due to TAE remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TAE of OAA as a first-line treatment. Fifteen patients with true aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms who underwent OAA-TAE between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2022 were included in this study. The technical and clinical outcomes, the incidence of omental infarction after TAE as a major complication, OAA-TAE techniques, radiological findings on computed tomography angiography and angiogram, and patient characteristics were evaluated. Fifteen patients (nine men, six women; age, 69.8 ± 18.59 years) underwent TAE of OAAs (mean aneurysm size of 9.30 ± 6.10 mm) located in the right gastroepiploic (n = 9), left gastroepiploic (n = 1), and epiploic (n = 5) arteries. All patients with ruptured (n = 6) and unruptured (n = 9) OAA successfully underwent TAEs using coils, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, or gelatin sponges. Hepatic artery thrombosis and coil migration were observed during the procedure; however, these adverse events were manageable. Transfusion of red blood cell units (4.66 ± 1.63 units) was required only in cases with ruptured OAAs after TAE. Additional surgery or TAE due to rupture or rerupture of OAA and omental infarction was not required during the postoperative and follow-up periods. The OAA-TAE can effectively treat ruptured and unruptured OAAs, and the risk of omental infarction after OAA-TAE may not be high.

Improvement of the Contrast Effects of Blood Vessels by Taking Internally Effervescent Agents in Abdominal Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography

In preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the stomach, an effervescent agent is taken internally to stretch the wall of the stomach to allow evaluation of tumor depth. However, there are no reports on the effects of the effervescent agent on the contrast effects of arteries, veins, portal veins, and hepatic veins. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of an effervescent agent on the contrast effects of blood vessels in abdominal contrast-enhanced CT. The subjects were 60 preoperative gastric or pancreatic CT patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT either with or without the effervescent agent. CT attenuations of the vessels were measured. CT attenuations of the left gastric artery, left gastroepiploic artery, right gastroepiploic artery, left gastric vein, left gastroepiploic vein, right gastroepiploic vein, portal vein, and hepatic vein were significantly higher (p<0.01) when the effervescent agent was taken. In abdominal contrast-enhancement CT, CT attenuations of the left gastric artery, left gastroepiploic artery, right gastroepiploic artery, left gastric vein, left gastroepiploic vein, right gastroepiploic vein, portal vein, and hepatic vein were found to be higher when the patient was administered the effervescent agent.

Congenital absence of splenic artery: a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed

A 21-year-old woman presented as an emergency with upper abdominal discomfort and one episode of haematemesis. Physical examination, blood results and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) were unremarkable. The patient collapsed following a large haematemesis 24 hours later and was intubated, ventilated and resuscitated. Repeat OGD demonstrated multiple areas of gastric angiodysplasia with active bleeding. Attempted haemostasis was unsuccessful. computed tomography angiography (CTA) demonstrated an absent splenic artery and multiple abnormal collaterals supplying the stomach, pancreas and spleen originating from a hypertrophied left gastric artery and gastro-epiploic arteries. Angiography demonstrated active bleeding from these abnormal collaterals, which were successfully embolised and haemostasis attained. On follow-up CTA, no evidence of further bleeding or infarction was noted. Congenital absence of the splenic artery is rare, with only four reported cases, and is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Comprehensive evaluation of three-dimensional anatomy of perigastric vessels using enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography

BackgroundTo perform laparoscopic gastrectomy safely, we aimed to comprehensively re-evaluate perigastric vessel anatomies using a three-dimensional angiography reconstructed from enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography data.MethodsPerigastric vessel anatomy was preoperatively analyzed using a multidetector-row computed tomography-based three-dimensional angiography reconstructed in 127 patients undergoing gastric surgery.ResultsOf the 67 left gastric veins that ran along the dorsal side of the arteries, 59 (88.1%) ran along the dorsal side of the common hepatic artery and flowed into the portal vein. In 18 cases, a common trunk of one to three left gastric arteries and the replaced left hepatic artery was observed. The left inferior phrenic artery ramified from the left gastric artery in 5.5% of the cases. The right gastric artery was classified into distal (73.2%), caudal (18.1%), and proximal (8.7%) types. The infra-pyloric artery was also classified into distal (64.6%), caudal (26.0%), and proximal (9.4%) types. The posterior gastric artery branched as a common trunk with the superior polar artery in the proximal (37.9%) and distal (18.4%) regions of the splenic artery. The left gastroepiploic artery ramified from the splenic (18.1%) and inferior terminal arteries (81.9%). No, one, and two gastric branches of the left gastroepiploic artery, which ramified between the roots of the left gastroepiploic artery and its omental branch, were found in 36.5%, 49.2%, and 14.3% of the cases, respectively.ConclusionsPreoperative 3D angiography is useful for the precise evaluation of perigastric vessel anatomies, and may help us to perform laparoscopic gastrectomy and robotic surgery safely.

S2576 Application of Hemospray for Metastatic Bleeding Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Introduction: TC-325 hemostatic powder (Hemospray) is a mineral-based topical agent that acts as a mechanical barrier over a bleeding site. It is a non-invasive, safe, and effective modality in controlling active GI bleeding, with immediate response. Here, we present a case of bleeding metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma managed with Hemospray after the failure of standard endoscopic therapy. Case Description/Methods: A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency room (ER) for symptomatic anemia. His hemoglobin was 4.6 g/dL. CT imaging showed gastric cardia lesion with multiple hepatic metastases. After blood transfusion, EGD (Figure 1a) showed a cardia lesion with oozing blood from multiple sites. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration, showing atypical cells. The patient continued to have melena requiring transfusions. CT angiogram was negative. Partial gastrectomy was not performed due to peritoneal carcinomatosis. Endoscopic hemostasis with epinephrine and clips failed (Figure 1b). Hemospray was deployed (Figure 1c) with an immediate response. Later patient underwent left gastric artery embolization (Figure 1d), liver biopsy and peritoneal node sampling that suggested metastatic adenocarcinoma with primary gastric malignancy. The patient and his family opted for palliative care and was discharged. Discussion: Gastric cancer accounts for 2-8% of overall UGIB and 58% bleeding risk compared to other GI malignancies. There are no specific guidelines and only limited evidence was available on managing malignancy-related UGIB. Nonresponsive, inoperable metastatic gastric cancer bleeding is challenging and extremely difficult to manage using conventional hemostasis techniques. Based on our case, we recommend utilizing Hemospray as a first-line, monotherapy or in combination to control bleeding until a definitive treatment, reducing morbidity and mortality.Figure 1.: (A) Submucosal gastric fundal mass distal to gastroesophageal junction with blood oozing from multiple sites (arrows), (B) Image showing endoscopic hemostatic clips placement (arrowheads), (C) Application of Hemospray over the Gastric Mass after unsuccessful attempts using standard-of-care hemostatic methods, (D) Showing embolization of the left gastroepiploic artery.

467. USEFUL ANASTOMOSIS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY USING ICG FLOW AND COLLARD MODIFIED METHOD

Abstract Risk of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is reported comorbidity, surgical technique, and others. One of management to reduce AL is to measure indocyanine green (ICG) of gastric conduit. It may be more sensitive and useful than traditional method. Furthermore, by changing the anastomotic technique with modified Collard method, AL rate was reduced from 15% to 4% and anastomotic stenosis was also reduced. In this study, we examined some marker of stomach roll depiction by ICG. We enrolled 52 cases for which ICG data were obtained from August 2019 to December 2021. The distance from stump of the stomach roll was measured by marking the line ICG 5mg stained after 30, 60 seconds We examined some data of arterial network between left and right gastroepiploic arteries, the depiction of gastric conduit, and intra andextramural vessels from the wall from the recorded images. We decided anastomotic line stained with ICG in 30 second. We reconstructed gastric conduit with 42 stomach roll and 10 subtotal stomach. The distance of gastric conduit stained with ICG was Mean ± SD: 47 ± 19 mm (0-80 mm) at 30 seconds and 28 ± 17 mm (0-60 mm) at 60 seconds. Arterial network between left and right gastroepiploic artery: yes/no (8:43), whole gastric wall depiction: yes/no (24/28), extramural blood flow: yes/no (44/7). There was no necrosis of gastric conduit, AL rate was 3.8% (2/52), and anastomotic stenosis requiring endoscopic bougie was 2%. Ten cases of subtotal stomach had no AL and stenosis. By using ICG, anastomotic line drawn in 30 second was shorter than 60 seconds and gastric conduit was shorter than traditional line. Determining good blood flow sites using ICG in gastric conduit and widening anastomotic caliber using modified Collard method may have reduced AL and stenosis. It is considered to be very simple procedure that does not depend on surgeon.

Oesophageal reconstruction with a reversed gastric conduit for a complex oesophageal cancer patient: a case report

BackgroundThe gastric conduit is the best replacement organ for oesophageal reconstruction, but a reversed gastric conduit (RGC) is rare. Oesophageal reconstruction for oesophageal cancer patients with a previous history of complicated gastrointestinal surgery is rather difficult. Here, we report a case in which oesophageal reconstruction was successfully managed using RGC based solely on the left gastroepiploic artery supply.Case presentationA 69-year-old man with oesophageal cancer had a history of endoscopic intestinal polypectomy and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). The right gastroepiploic artery and right gastric artery had been completely severed. The only supply artery that could be used for the gastric conduit was just the left gastroepiploic artery. Because of the complex history of abdominal surgery, we had no choice but to use the RGC to complete the oesophageal reconstruction, in which the gastric conduit was passed reversely through the hiatus to the oesophageal bed and layered end-to-side manual intrathoracic anastomosis with the esophagus. The patient had transient feeding problems with postoperative delayed thoracic stomach emptying but no anastomotic stenosis or thoracic stomach fistula. He was satisfied with his life and had no long-term complications. There was no significant effect on gut physiological function, and RGC could work normally.ConclusionsOesophageal reconstruction with RGC is a feasible procedure for complex oesophageal carcinoma that can simplify complicated surgical procedures, has less influence on gut function, is less invasive, and is safe.

Анатомія великого чепця у людей похилого віку

The purpose of the study was to investigate the external structure, topographic and morphometric variability of the arteries of the greater omenta in elderly women and men in normal cases. Materials and methods. The greater omenta of elderly women and men were examined using anatomical preparation, somatoscopic and morphometric methods. Greater omenta were examined on 20 corpses of elderly people. The deceased had no pathology in the abdominal cavity. Based on the value of the body mass index, the body type of people was determined. Results and discussion. The greater omentum is supplied by the right and left gastroepiploic arteries. These arteries form the superior arterial arch in 15 of 18 cases, and in 3 cases the arch was absent. The inferior arterial arch was evident in 1 of 20 cases. The left gastroepiploic artery in 2 of 20 cases was absent on the anterior plate of the greater omentum and was detected in the thickness of the posterior plate of the greater omentum. From the right gastroepiploic artery central, right medial, right intermediate and right lateral arteries depart. In two out of 20 cases, the left accessory artery departed from the right gastroepiploic artery, which was located in the left half of the greater omentum. The central artery of the greater omentum has a greater length and outer diameter in men. The branches of the right gastroepiploic artery supply the right half of the greater omentum and reach the lower edge of its free part. The left gastroepiploic artery branches into the left medial, left intermediate and left lateral arteries, which branch in the thickness of the left half of the omentum, supplying it without reaching the lower edge of its free part. In 45% quadrangular, 15% – triangular and 40% – irregular shape of the greater omentum with two or more lobes were revealed. The zone of the central, and in its absence, the right medial and left medial arteries of the greater omentum is most convenient for excision of the flap for transplantation with quadrangular and triangular forms of the greater omentum in the elderly. Conclusion. In elderly people, the shape of the greater omentum does not depend on their body type. The quadrangular omenta have the largest area, the smaller triangular and irregular ones. The presence of adipose tissue in the greater omentum depends on body weight. It is advisable to perform laparoscopy before omentoplasty in a patient with excessive body weight. With age, the appearance of the greater omentum changes due to the presence of adipose tissue. We have identified the following forms of the greater omentum, depending on the presence of the severity of adipose tissue: it was transparent, like fine lace; large omentum with excessively developed adipose tissue covering the omentum with a continuous layer

Flowthrough Omental Flap for Vascularized Lymph Node Transplant of the Lower Extremity.

Vascularized lymph node transplantation is a surgical approach for the treatment of chronic lymphedema. However, there is no clinical standard for flap placement nor vascular anastomoses. The authors propose a novel flowthrough configuration for an omental vascularized lymph node transplant in the popliteal space. To prepare the popliteal space for an omental free flap, the medial popliteal fat pad and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle were debulked. Venous anastomoses were completed with vein couplers, joining the right gastroepiploic vein to the medial sural venae comitantes and the left gastroepiploic vein to the lesser saphenous vein. Arterial anastomoses were hand sewn, joining the right gastroepiploic artery to the proximal medial sural artery and the left gastroepiploic artery to the distal medial sural artery, to create the flowthrough configuration. A retrospective review of patients who underwent this procedure at a single institution was performed. Six patients with chronic lymphedema of the lower extremity underwent vascularized lymph node transplantation from June of 2019 to November of 2020. Five patients underwent at least 3 months of postoperative surveillance, with no postoperative complications reported. In this technique contribution, the authors describe a novel flowthrough configuration for an omental free flap to the popliteal space. The popliteal space offers an aesthetically favorable recipient location when appropriately prepared. The medial sural vessels are ideal recipient vessels for the flowthrough omental flap. Therapeutic, IV.

The ISCON-trial protocol: laparoscopic ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer and arterial calcifications

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage is the most important surgical complication following esophagectomy. A major cause of leakage is ischemia of the gastric tube that is used for reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Generalized cardiovascular disease, expressed by calcifications of the aorta and celiac axis stenosis on a pre-operative CT scan, is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leakage. Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning (ISCON) aims to redistribute blood flow and increase perfusion at the anastomotic site by occluding the left gastric, left gastroepiploic and short gastric arteries prior to esophagectomy. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic ISCON in selected patients with esophageal cancer and concomitant arterial calcifications.MethodsIn this prospective single-arm safety and feasibility trial based upon the IDEAL recommendations for surgical innovation, a total of 20 patients will be included recruited in 2 European high-volume centers for esophageal cancer surgery. Patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma (cT1-4a, N0–3, M0) with “major calcifications” of the thoracic aorta accordingly to the Uniform Calcification Score (UCS) or a stenosis of the celiac axis accordingly to the modified North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) score on preoperative CT scan, who are planned to undergo esophagectomy are eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome variables are complications grade 2 and higher (Clavien-Dindo classification) occurring during or after laparoscopic ISCON and before esophagectomy. Secondary outcomes include intra- and postoperative complications of esophagectomy and the induction of angiogenesis by biomarkers of microcirculation and redistribution of blood flow by measurement of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography.DiscussionWe hypothesize that in selected patients with impaired vascularization of the gastric tube, laparoscopic ISCON is feasible and can be safely performed 12–18 days prior to esophagectomy. Depending on the results, a randomized controlled trial will be needed to investigate whether ISCON leads to a lower percentage and less severe course of anastomotic leakage in selected patients.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03896399. Registered 4 January 2019.

NPTD classification: an updated classification of gastric cancer location for function preserving gastrectomy based on physiological lymphatic flow

BackgroundThe correlation between tumor location and lymphatic flow distribution in gastric cancer has been previously reported, and PTD (Proximal – Transitional – Distal) classification was proposed. Our group updated and developed the nPTD classification.MethodWe retrospectively studied gastric cancer patients who underwent the dye method sentinel node biopsy from 1993 to 2020. The inclusion criteria were a single lesion type 0 cancer of ≤5 cm in the long axis, clinically node-negative, and invasion within the proper muscle layer pathologically. In this study, the distribution of dyed lymphatic flow was evaluated for each occupied area of the tumor.ResultsWe included 416 patients in this study. The tumors located in the watershed of the right and left gastroepiploic arteries near greater curvature had extensive lymphatic flow; therefore, a newly circular region with a diameter of 5 cm is set on the watershed of the greater curvature between P and T zone as the ‘n’ zone. In addition, for cancers located in the lesser P curvature, lymphatic flow to the greater curvature was not observed. Therefore, the P zone was divided into two: the lesser curvature side (PL) and the greater curvature side (PG).ConclusionsThe advantage of the nPTD classification is that it provides not only proper nodal dissection but also adequate function-preserving gastrectomy. If the tumor is localized within the PL, the proximal gastrectomy resection area can be further reduced. In contrast, for cancers located in the ‘n’ zone, near-total gastrectomy is required because of the extensive lymphatic flow.

Minimally Invasive Partial Spleen Resection Preserving the Lower Pole in Children: A Technical Report on Feasibility and Safety.

Background: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is a surgical option for removing part of the spleen with a pathological mass in a way that ensures preservation of the spleen's physiological functions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of this procedure, performed while preserving the blood supply from the left gastroepiploic artery, in children. Materials and Methods: Following institutional review board approval, this retrospective study was conducted on patients who, between January 2015 and December 2019, underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy with preservation of blood supply from the left gastroepiploic vessels. In the article, we described patient indications for surgery, surgical technique, surgery time, complications, and follow-up outcomes. Results: Eleven patients (mean age: 12.3 ± 3.4 years) underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy. Indications for surgery included nonparasitic cysts (n = 8), pseudocysts (n = 2), and hamartomas (n = 1). The mean benign mass diameter was 60 ± 22 mm. The mean operative time was 193.2 ± 55.1 minutes. The mean size of the retained lower pole was 31.1% ± 3.8%. There was no conversion to open splenectomy or any significant complication. The mean postoperative stay was 9 ± 0.7 days. No thrombosis of the splenic and portal veins was noted in the follow-up period, and no splenic remnant infarction occurred. Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy with preservation of blood supply arising from the left gastroepiploic vessels seems to be safe in children. However, a larger study is needed to confirm our results.

VASCULAR ANATOMY OF GREATER OMENTUM IN MIDDLE AGE ADULTS

The variability of artery and vein topography of greater omenta from 20 corpses of middle age adults was investigated by applying the anatomical and morphometric methods. The right and left gastroepiploic arteries supply the greater omentum with blood. In 80% of the cases studied these arteries form the superior arterial arch, in 15% of the cases they are not connected, and in 5% of the cases they form anastomosis through the right and left lateral branches, thus, forming the middle arterial arch of the greater omentum. In 10% of the cases, the left gastroepiploic artery is located in the thick of the posterior plate of the greater omentum. The right gastroepiploic artery branches into central, right medial, intermediate and lateral arteries and in 10% left additional artery. The right gastroepiploic artery and vein are longer in men (16.95 ± 5.5 cm) that in women (15.77 ± 2.9 cm). The outer diameter of these vessels is larger in women: 0.24 ± 0.03 cm of arteries and 0.27 ± 0.03 cm of veins. The central artery is the longest and widest of all omental branches. The area of the central artery is more preferred for flaps in quadrangular and triangular shapes of the greater omentum. The branches of the right gastroepiploic artery supply blood to the right half of the greater omentum and reach the lower edge of its free part. The left half of the greater omentum is supplied by the branches of the left gastroepiploic artery, namely by the left medial, intermediate and lateral arteries, which do not reach the lower edge of the free part of the omentum. In 10% of the cases, the superior left part of the omentum is additionally supplied with blood by the splenic artery. On such case of blood vessels presence, it can serve as a source for obtaining a flap. One vein accompanies the artery of the same name. All the veins of the omentum have a larger diameter than the arteries. In 15% of the cases greater omentum is quadrangular, in 25% of the cases is triangular and in 60% it is of irregular shape with two or more parts. In the one-part omentum, the left and right parts have the same blood supply. At the two-part structure, the right half is in more favourable condition in terms of the blood supply that enables to recommend its usage in transplantation surgery.

Stomach serosal arteries distinguish gastric regions of the rat.

Because the stomach in situ has few distinctive surface features and changes shape dramatically with food intake, we have used micro-CT imaging combined with two distinct contrast agents to (1) characterize the pattern of arteries, potential landmarks, on the stomach wall and (2) evaluate how meal-related shape changes affect the size of the different regions. Images generated with a contrast agent injected directly into the heart during perfusion enabled a thorough look at the organizational features of the stomach angioarchitecture. The stomach receives its blood supply primarily from two pairs of vessels, the gastric and gastroepiploic arteries. Each of the three regions of the stomach is delineated by a distinctive combination of arterial fields: the corpus, consistent with its dynamic secretory activity and extensive mucosa, is supplied by extensive arterial trees formed by the left and right gastric arteries, travelling, respectively, on the ventral and dorsal stomach surfaces. These major arteries course circularly from the lesser towards the greater curvature, distally along both left (or ventral) and right (or dorsal) walls of the corpus, and branch rostrally to supply the region. The muscular antrum is characterized by smaller arterial branches arising primarily from the right gastroepiploic artery that follows the distal greater curvature and secondarily from small, distally directed arteries supplied by the large vessels of the left and right gastric arteries. The forestomach, essentially devoid of mucosal tissue and separated from the corpus by the limiting ridge, is vascularized predominantly by a network of small arteries issued from the left gastroepiploic artery coursing around the proximal greater curvature, as well as from higher order and smaller branches issued by the gastric and celiac arteries. These distinctive arterial fields appear to distinguish the major gastric regions, irrespective of the degree of fill of the stomach. Volume assessments of stomach compartments were made from images of iodine-stained stomachs. By varying the delay time between eating and perfusion, we were able to probe the emptying behavior of the stomach and demonstrate that the regions of the stomach empty at different rates, thus changing the relative dimensions of the organ regions. Notably, and despite these shape changes, the gastric arteries appear to form a regular, particularly recognizable, and lateralized pattern corresponding to the corpus that should be of use in guiding surgical and experimental interventions.

Abstract No. 49 Bariatric arterial embolization with radiopaque microspheres: the effect of embolic size and embolization coverage on the outcome

To evaluate the embolization effect of calibrated radiopaque microspheres on the safety and efficacy of bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) Twenty-four healthy growing swine were recruited in two cohorts. In the first cohort, 16 animals were randomized to receive either 40-90 μm-sized radiopaque microspheres in the left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA, n = 4), or in the right gastric artery (RGA) and LGEA (n = 4), or 100-300 μm-sized microspheres in the LGEA and RGA (n = 4), or saline (n = 4). In the second cohort, eight animals underwent BAE with tightly calibrated 100-200 μm radiopaque microspheres (n = 5) or saline (n = 3) in the LGEA and RGA. Animal weight and serum hormones were measured at baseline and weekly after BAE for up to 8 weeks. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) images of the stomachs were acquired immediately and at 8 weeks after embolization to assess the embolization coverage of the fundus and the persistence of the microspheres. Endoscopy of the stomach was performed at 1-2 weeks after BAE to examine mucosal integrity. Ghrelin-expressing cell densities were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Plasma ghrelin levels were assessed using a radioimmunoassay. Radiopaque microspheres were visible both on fluoroscopy and CBCT images irrespective of the microsphere sizes. BAE with 40-90 μm and 100-300 μm microspheres resulted in severe gastric ulceration in embolized animals and no significant weight changes compared to controls. In contrast, BAE with 100-200 μm-sized microspheres induced mild gastric ulcerations and a significant reduction of weight gain relative to controls (42.3% ± 5.7 BAE vs 51.6% ± 2.9 controls at 8 weeks, P = 0.04). This weight reduction was correlated to greater fundal embolization coverage. Both fundal ghrelin-expressing cell densities (16.1 ± 6.7 BAE vs 23.6 ± 12.6 control, P = 0.045) and plasma ghrelin levels of (1709 ± 172 BAE vs 4343 ± 1555 controls, P < 0.01) BAE-treated animals were significantly lower than those of controls at 8 weeks. Radiopaque microspheres enable direct visualization of embolic material during and after embolization. The size and fundal embolization coverage of the microspheres affect the outcome of BAE. The calibrated 100-200 μm radiopaque microspheres appear to be safe and effective for weight management via BAE.

A systematic review of splenic artery variants based on cadaveric studies.

The splenic artery (SA) is the largest and most tortuous branch of the celiac trunk with a wide spectrum of variants, particularly in its terminal branches. The current study presents a systematic review of the English literature on the SA variations, with emphasis on its terminal branching patterns. Thirty cadaveric studies (3132 specimens) were included in the analysis. The SA originated from the celiac trunk in 97.2%, from the abdominal aorta in 2.1% and from the superior mesenteric or the common hepatic artery in 0.7% of cases. A suprapancreatic course was observed in 77.4%, retropancreatic course in 17.8%, anteropancreatic course in 3.4% and intrapancreatic course in 1.3%. In the majority of cases, the SA bifurcated into superior and inferior lobar arteries (83.4%), with trifurcation and quadrifurcation in 11.3% and 2.7%, respectively. Five or morelobar branches (1.4%) and a single lobar artery (1.2%) were rarely identified. The distributed branching pattern was found in 72.7%, whereas the magistral pattern in 26.9%. The inferior and superior polar arteries (IPA and SPA) were found in 47.7% and 41.7% of cases, respectively, while polar artery agenesis was recorded in 28.2%. The SPA usually originated from the SA main trunk (53.6%) or from the superior lobar artery (33.1%). The IPA emanated mainly from the left gastroepiploic artery (53%), from the SA (23.5%) or the inferior lobar artery (21.9%). Intersegmental anastomoses between adjacent arterial segments were identified in 14.2%. Knowledge of the SA aberrations is important for surgeons and radiologists involved in angiographic interventions.