Pancreatic ductal anatomy: more than meets the eye.

PURPOSE: Anatomical variations of the pancreas are relatively frequent and often understudied. The ductal system of the pancreas has multiple variations, which are not frequently reported in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomy of the pancreas was studied through macroscopic anatomical dissection on 50 organ complexes (the pancreas, spleen, and duodenum) donated to the department of human anatomy, from patients, who died of causes not related to pancreatic diseases. RESULTS: In type I, the main pancreatic duct (Wirsung's duct, MPD) and the accessory pancreatic duct (Santorini's duct, APD) were merged but most of the head was drained by the MPD (10% of cases). In type II, the MPD and APD were merged but most of the head was drained by the APD (4% of cases). In type III, the APD was absent and the head was drained by the MPD (14% of cases). In type IV, there was an inverted pancreas divisum where the ducts did not merge but each drained a part of the head (6% of cases). Classical pancreas divisum where the ducts did not merge but each drained a part of the head was considered as type V (4% of cases). In type VI, the MPD and APD merged and each drained a part of the head (48% of cases). In type VII, the MPD and APD merged but the upper part of the head was drained by the main pancreatic duct (4% of cases). In type VIII, the MPD and APD merged but the lower part of the head was drained by the main pancreatic duct (4% of cases). In the IX type, the MPD and APD merged but the head was drained by the branches of the MPD (6% of cases). CONCLUSIONS: There are several drainage patterns of the pancreas. In some cases, one of the ducts provides more drainage of the gland than the other. This is clinically relevant since blockage of the main source of drainage leads to pancreatic juice stasis. It also explains cases when partial or total blockage of the duct results in the pancreatitis of an isolated zone.

Variaciones de la configuración ductal pancreática: factor predisponente de pancreatitis recurrente / Variations of pancreatic ductal configuration: predisposing factor of recurrent pancreatitis

El páncreas es un órgano de origen endodérmico, que se desarrolla de dos esbozos intestinales separados, uno dorsal y otro ventral,a partir de la cuarta o quinta semana de gestación. El páncreas se origina en el intestino anterior en la parte correspondiente a lafutura segunda porción duodenal. Allí se originan dos brotes: uno posterior o dorsal que aparece a principios de la cuarta semanay crece rápidamente en el mesenterio dorsal y el otro brote es anterior o ventral. Este último da origen a dos brotes, uno origina unaparte del páncreas y otro a la vía biliar e hígado. Existen diferentes variantes anatómicas, derivadas de este desarrollo embrionario;su conocimiento es de vital importancia en pacientes con persistencia de dolor abdominal y episodios de pancreatitis recurrente.El objetivo de este artículo es una revisión de las variantes anatómicas del conducto pancreático que pueden manifestarse como pancreatitis idiopática recurrente. (AU)

The pancreas is an organ of endodermal origin, which develops from two separate intestinal sketches, one dorsal and one ventral,from the fourth or fifth week of gestation. The pancreas originates in the anterior intestine in the part corresponding to the futuresecond duodenal portion. There two shoots originate: one posterior or dorsal that appears at the beginning of the fourth week andgrows rapidly in the dorsal mesentery and the other outbreak is anterior or ventral. The latter gives rise to two outbreaks, oneoriginates a part of the pancreas and another to the bile duct and liver. There are different anatomical variants, derived from thisembryonic development; their knowledge is of vital importance in patients with persistent abdominal pain and episodes of recurrentpancreatitis. The objective of this article is a review of the anatomical variants of the pancreatic duct that can manifest as recurrent idiopathic pancreatitis. (AU)

Pasireotide administration after pancreaticoduodenectomy may decrease clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula in high-risk patients with small pancreatic ducts, soft pancreatic parenchyma and cystic or neuroendocrine neoplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a feared complication after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Previously in a randomized trial found fewer clinically relevant fistulas (CR-POPF) accompanying administration of perioperative pasireotide. Our hospital previously found that the risk for CR-POPF reached 7% in pancreaticoduodenectomy patients. Here, we aimed to determine the CR-POPF rate accompanying prophylactic pasireotide in patients with a normal pancreas at resection level. METHODS: In this clinical study, perioperative pasireotide was administered to pancreaticoduodenectomy patients treated between 1 July 2014 and 30 April 2016. High-risk individuals were defined preoperatively by the surgeon based on the following: no dilatation of the pancreatic duct, suspected soft pancreas and a cystic or neuroendocrine tumor at the head of the pancreas. If the pancreas was considered hard at surgery, thereby carrying a lower risk for fistula, pasireotide was discontinued following one preoperative 900-µg dose. Among high-risk patients, pasireotide was continued for one week or until discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: During the study period, 153/215 pancreatic operations were pancreaticoduodenectomies, 58 (38%) of which were considered high risk for developing clinically significant pancreatic fistula. Among these, 4 (2.6%) developed a grade B or C fistula: 2 in the pasireotide group [3.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-11.9%], 1 in the low-risk group (1.2%, 95% CI 0.0-6.4%; difference: 2.3%, 95% CI -6.4-17.3%) and 1 in the discontinued group (10%). CONCLUSION: We found similar rates of CR-POPF among high- and low-risk patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy when using prophylactic perioperative pasireotide in high-risk patients.

Variación anatómica del conducto pancreático poco frecuente: ansa pancreática / Uncommon anatomic variation of the pancreatic duct: ansa pancreática

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Role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in learning anatomical variations in pancreatic duct.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of anatomical variations of pancreatic duct through magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography. . METHODS: The cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from May 2011 to December 2012 at the Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS), Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, in collaboration with the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The study comprised diagnosed cases of pancreato-biliary disease booked for magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography. Images were obtained using 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and information of anatomical variations visualised on the imaging film was assessed and documented. RESULTS: Of the 377 subjects, 196(52%) were females and 181(48%) were males. Pancreas divisum was found in 21(5.6%) subjects; 13(62%) females and 8(38%) males. . Duct of Santorini was detected in 3(0.8%) subjects; 2(66.6%) females and 1(33.3%) male. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in pancreatic duct could be identified by using the simple, non-invasive method of magnetic resonance cholangiography pancreatography.

Is the remnant pancreas still working over a year after surgery in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction by pancreaticogastrostomy?

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) has been widely used as an alternative to pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but its long-term exocrine function remains unclear. The present study aimed to measure the secretion of pancreatic α-amylase (p-AMY) into the gastric cavity in patients who underwent PG reconstruction after PD over 1 year after surgery and to evaluate the relationship between gastric p-AMY level and clinically available indirect tests. METHODS: Clinical records of 39 patients who underwent PG reconstruction after PD were reviewed. Pancreatic exocrine function was evaluated over 1 year after surgery using the following methods: 1) Measurement of p-AMY level in gastric fluids (gastric p-AMY level) during routine gastrointestinal endoscopy, 2) Qualitative faecal fat determination by Sudan III staining on faeces and 3) Pancreatic function diagnostic (PFD) test using oral administration of N-benzoyl-l-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid. RESULTS: Gastric p-AMY level was detectable in 31 of 39 patients (79%), and 12 patients (30.8%) had steatorrhea over a year after surgery. Patients with steatorrhea had significantly lower gastric p-AMY level, larger diameter of remnant main pancreatic duct (MPD) and larger pancreatic duct to parenchymal thickness ratio than those without steatorrhea (84 IU/L vs 7979 IU/L, respectively; P < 0.001, 5.3 mm vs 3.2 mm, respectively; P = 0.001, and 0.38 vs 0.23, respectively; P = 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the cut-off value of the diameter of the remnant MPD to predict steatorrhea was 3.5 mm (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 70.4%). PFD test was not associated with any clinical data. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic enzyme was detected in 79% of patients having PG reconstruction. Diameter of remnant MPD >3.5 mm and pancreatic parenchymal atrophy may be surrogate markers of postoperative exocrine insufficiency following PD.

The 3-D muscular structure of the human pancreaticobiliary junction

The musculature of the human pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ) is implicated in several pathologies and is of significance to clinicians who perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study sought to describe the musculature of the human PBJ by generating a three-dimensional reconstruction of histologic sections. A single pancreaticoduodenal specimen was removed en bloc from an embalmed cadaver with no pancreaticoduodenal disease. Sections were stained with Masson's trichrome and the staining pattern of muscle fibers was used to generate information regarding their location and orientation. The outline of groups of muscle fibers taken from photomicrographs of alternate thin serial sections were highlighted based upon their orientation (circular or longitudinal) and location (duodenal or papillary). Data point co-ordinates were used to create a 3-D image reconstruction.A total of 91 composite serial cross-sections were reconstructed. Circular and longitudinal muscle fibers formed a completely investing muscle layer around both the bile and pancreatic ducts, and there was a clear distinction between the intrinsic muscles of the PBJ and those of the duodenal wall. Circular fibers were particularly dense distal to the confluence of the ducts. Longitudinal fibers were incompletely distributed around the pancreaticobiliary sphincter and did not extend to the tip of the major duodenal papilla. This model supports the well-established concept of an intrinsic pancreaticobiliary sphincter composed of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers, distinct from the surrounding duodenal muscle. Targeting the distal end of the PBJ during ERCP would only partially disrupt this muscular sphincter mechanism

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Distribution and correlation of pancreatic gland size and duct diameters on MRCP in patients without evidence of pancreatic disease.

PURPOSE: To use MRCP to investigate age-related changes and gender differences of the pancreas and to correlate pancreatic gland size and duct diameter. METHODS: In this institutional review, board-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, 280 patients (age 20-88 years) without a history of pancreatic or liver disease who had undergone MRI/MRCP from 2004 to 2015 were identified. The anteroposterior size and main duct diameter of the pancreatic head, body, and tail were measured. The pancreatic gland and duct sizes were compared between genders, and among seven age subgroups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89). RESULTS: The pancreatic head and body were significantly larger in males than females (head, p < 0.01; body, p = 0.03), while the tail and the duct diameters of the pancreatic head, body, and tail showed no gender difference. As the age of male participants increased, there was an associated increase in size of the pancreatic gland initially (largest at age 50-59 (body) and 60-69 (head)), followed by subsequent decline in size thereafter. Additionally, the pancreatic duct diameter was found to increase gradually. In females, the size of the pancreatic gland decreased, while the diameter of the pancreatic duct increased with age. Moderate positive correlation for gland size and strong positive correlation for duct diameter among different pancreatic regions were found. Weak negative correlation was found between gland size and duct diameter. CONCLUSIONS: There are gender differences in the gland size of the pancreatic head and body. The pancreatic gland size increases until the sixth decade in males, with a more continuous decrease in gland size with age in females. Both males and females demonstrate a marked decrease in gland size after the eighth decade. The duct diameter increases with age in both males and females.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Assessment of Pancreatic Duct Diameter Predicts Neuroendocrine Tumors and Other Pancreas Masses.

OBJECTIVES: Distinguishing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and other pancreas lesions from adenocarcinomas via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) requires additional tissue for special staining and processing. Our aim was to determine if main pancreatic duct (PD) diameter on EUS helps to differentiate NET and other unusual tumors from adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We evaluated 30 consecutive patients diagnosed with NET or other pancreas lesions by EUS with 90 matched patients who were found to have adenocarcinoma. Dilated PD was defined as greater than 3 mm. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between lesion type and PD diameter. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients with NET/other pancreas lesions, 21 had NETs, 7 had metastases, and 2 had lymphomas. A dilated PD was demonstrated in only 3.3% of pancreatic NET/other lesions but present in 88.9% of cases of primary adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, a normal PD diameter and absence of clinical symptoms strongly predicted the presence of pancreatic NET/other versus adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of PD dilation upstream of the lesion suggests NET or other lesions rather than adenocarcinoma. This finding should prompt endosonographers to obtain additional tissue at the time of EUS to send for special studies.

Deconstructing the principles of ductal network formation in the pancreas.

The mammalian pancreas is a branched organ that does not exhibit stereotypic branching patterns, similarly to most other glands. Inside branches, it contains a network of ducts that undergo a transition from unconnected microlumen to a mesh of interconnected ducts and finally to a treelike structure. This ductal remodeling is poorly understood, both on a microscopic and macroscopic level. In this article, we quantify the network properties at different developmental stages. We find that the pancreatic network exhibits stereotypic traits at each stage and that the network properties change with time toward the most economical and optimized delivery of exocrine products into the duodenum. Using in silico modeling, we show how steps of pancreatic network development can be deconstructed into two simple rules likely to be conserved for many other glands. The early stage of the network is explained by noisy, redundant duct connection as new microlumens form. The later transition is attributed to pruning of the network based on the flux of fluid running through the pancreatic network into the duodenum.

Randomized clinical trial of the effect of a fibrin sealant patch on pancreatic fistula formation after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The potential for a fibrin sealant patch to reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a fibrin sealant patch is able to reduce POPF in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatojejunostomy. METHODS: In this multicentre trial, patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were randomized to receive either a fibrin patch (patch group) or no patch (control group), and stratified by gland texture, pancreatic duct size and neoadjuvant treatment. The primary endpoint was POPF. Secondary endpoints included complications, drain-related factors and duration of hospital stay. Risk factors for POPF were identified by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were enrolled. Forty-five of 71 patients (63 per cent) in the patch group and 40 of 71 (56 per cent) in the control group developed biochemical leakage or POPF (P = 0·392). Fistulas were classified as grade B or C in 16 (23 per cent) and ten (14 per cent) patients respectively (P = 0·277). There were no differences in postoperative complications (54 patients in patch group and 50 in control group; P = 0·839), drain amylase concentration (P = 0·494), time until drain removal (mean(s.d.) 11·6(1·0) versus 13·3(1·3) days; P = 0·613), fistula closure (17·6(2·2) versus 16·5(2·1) days; P = 0·740) and duration of hospital stay (22·1(2·2) versus 18·2(0·9) days; P = 0·810) between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that obesity (odds ratio (OR) 5·28, 95 per cent c.i. 1·20 to 23·18; P = 0·027), soft gland texture (OR 9·86, 3·41 to 28·54; P < 0·001) and a small duct (OR 5·50, 1·84 to 16·44; P = 0·002) were significant risk factors for POPF. A patch did not reduce the incidence of POPF in patients at higher risk. CONCLUSION: The use of a fibrin sealant patch did not reduce the occurrence of POPF and complications after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatojejunostomy. Registration number: 2013-000639-29 (EudraCT register).

A study on outcome of binding pancreaticogastrostomy following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The type of anastomosis of the pancreas following pancreaticoduodenectomy is often attributed to the reason for pancreatic leak. Results of various randomized trials comparing pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticogastrostomy are conflicting one suggesting advantage over the other and vice versa. In this study we intend to critically analyze a novel technique of binding pancreaticogastrostomy following pancreaticoduodenectomy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to see the outcome of binding pancreaticogastrostomy by evaluating the technical aspects of binding PG and study the incidence of post-operative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all patients who had undergone binding pancreaticogastrostomy from Mar 2012 to Mar 2016 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients' data, including patients demographics, type of procedure performed, complications, mortality, hospital stay, postoperative interventional procedures or reoperations were all documented. RESULTS: There were 60 men and 37 women (mean age was 55.4 ±â€¯11.6 years) with a mean BMI of 22.6 Kg/M2. 16% of the patients had evidence of cholangitis and 14 of them had to be stented preoperatively. Ninety-four percent of the patients were operated for malignant cause of obstructive jaundice. The mean operative time was 283 min s and average blood loss during surgery was 352 ml. 36% of the patients were operated by the senior residents undergoing training in Gastro intestinal surgery with the assistance of the available faculty. 60% of the patients had a pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm. 72% of the pancreatic stump were soft in consistency. In our study we had 3% patients with pancreatic leak. The most frequent complication was DGE, which was seen in 22% patients. The mean duration of DGE was 13.5 ±â€¯2.6 days. We had 2 deaths within 30 days of surgery of which one was due to massive intraabdominal bleed due to pancreatic leak. None of the parameters like pre-operative and operative parameters like age, bilirubin, total leucocyte count, preoperative stenting, pancreatic duct diameter, texture of pancreas and surgery performed by residents were found to be responsible for pancreatic leak. CONCLUSION: This novel method of binding PG is simple, secure, and reproducible. It possesses several advantages over the conventional PG: it is very easy to perform, it is less traumatic to the pancreatic stump, can be performed in all types of pancreatic stump irrespective of the texture and diameter of the pancreatic duct without any statistically significant adverse outcomes.

Closed loop of main duct of pancreas: a rare variant configuration.

During routine dissection, duplication of main pancreatic duct extending from body to head region of pancreas was observed in a 78-year-old formalin fixed male cadaver. Main pancreatic duct gave a prominent branch which joined back the parent duct in head resulting in the formation of a closed loop. This gave the appearance of focal duplication in the form of a closed loop, an unusual variant. This was an incidental finding. Such cases usually remain asymptomatic; however, if undetected may be the cause of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticobiliary surgery. Knowledge of variable anatomy of pancreatic duct system became important to reduce the risk of postoperative complication and during various endoscopic guided procedures like drainage of pseudocyst or placement of stent into the duct.

Consequences of metabolic syndrome on postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

AIM: To analyze immediate postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy regarding metabolic syndrome. METHODS: In two academic centers, postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2002 to 2014 were prospectively recorded. Patients presenting with metabolic syndrome [defined as at least three criteria among overweight (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²), diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia] were compared to patients without metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Among 270 consecutive patients, 29 (11%) presented with metabolic syndrome. In univariable analysis, patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly older (69.4 years vs 62.5 years, P = 0.003) and presented more frequently with soft pancreas (72% vs 22%, P = 0.0001). In-hospital morbidity (83% vs 71%) and mortality (7% vs 6%) did not differ in the two groups so as pancreatic fistula rate (45% vs 30%, P = 0.079) and severity of pancreatic fistula (P = 0.257). In multivariable analysis, soft pancreas texture (P = 0.001), pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm (P = 0.025) and BMI > 30 kg/m² (P = 0.041) were identified as independent risk factors of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy, but not metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: In spite of logical reasoning and appropriate methodology, present series suggests that metabolic syndrome does not jeopardize postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Therefore, definition of metabolic syndrome seems to be inappropriate and fatty pancreas needs to be assessed with an international consensual histopathological classification.

Three-dimensional simulation of pancreatic surgery showing the size and location of the main pancreatic duct.

PURPOSE: We performed three-dimensional (3D) surgical simulation of pancreatic surgery, including the size and location of the main pancreatic duct on the resected pancreatic surface. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective analysis were 162 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery. This cohort was sequentially divided into a "without-3D" group (n = 81) and a "with-3D" group (n = 81). We compared the pancreatic duct diameter and its location, using nine sections in a grid pattern, with the intraoperative findings. The perioperative outcomes were also compared between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and those who underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the main pancreatic duct diameter between the 3D-simulated values and the operative findings. The 3D-simulated main pancreatic duct location was consistent with its actual location in 80 % of patients (65/81). In comparing the PD and DP groups, the intraoperative blood loss was 1174 ± 867 and 817 ± 925 ml in the without-3D group, and 828 ± 739 and 307 ± 192 ml in the with-3D group, respectively (p = 0.024, 0.026). CONCLUSION: The 3D surgical simulation provided useful information to promote our understanding of the pancreatic anatomy, including details on the size and location of the main pancreatic duct.

Pancreaticobiliary Ductal Anatomy in the Normal Population.

BACKGROUND: The complex anatomy of the pancreaticobiliary duct was crucial in management of pancreatic and biliary tract disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh specimens of pancreas, common bile duct (CBD), and duodenum were obtained en bloc from autopsies of 160 patients. RESULTS: Ninety-three male and 67 female patients were included. The length of the pancreas ranged from 9.8-20 cm (mean, 16.20 +/- 1.70 cm). The intrapancreatic portion of the CBD showed patterns of three types: most common (85.30%) was type A, in which the anterior surface of the common bile duct was totally covered, while its posterior surface was partially covered, by the pancreatic parenchyma. On dissection of the accessory duct of Santorini, the accessory duct was traceable to the duodenal wall in 67.6%. The anatomy of the Wirsung-choledochus confluence was grouped into five different types. The common channel was found in 75.60% and its length varied from just a common junction (so-called "V-type" anatomy) to 15 mm (Y-type-b). Separate papillae (so-called "II-type") were found in 15.3% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Several important points regarding the anatomy of the pancreaticobiliary junction and pancreatic ductal system were illustrated in this study.

Management of blunt pancreatic trauma: what's new?

Pancreatic injuries are relatively uncommon but present a major challenge to the surgeon in terms of both diagnosis and management. Pancreatic injuries are associated with significant mortality, primarily due to associated injuries, and pancreas-specific morbidity, especially in cases of delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of pancreatic trauma is a key for optimal management, but remains a challenge even with more advanced imaging modalities. For both penetrating and blunt pancreatic injuries, the presence of main pancreatic ductal injury is the major determinant of morbidity and the major factor guiding management decisions. For main pancreatic ductal injury, surgery remains the preferred approach with distal pancreatectomy for most injuries and more conservative surgical management for proximal ductal injuries involving the head of the pancreas. More recently, nonoperative management has been utilized, especially in the pediatric population, with the potential for increased rates of pseudocyst and pancreatic fistulae and the potential for the need for further intervention and increased hospital stay. This review presents recent data focusing on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of blunt pancreatic injury.

A study on the human pancreaticobiliary duct system and ampulla region with their clinical considerations.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to present the variations of the pancreatic duct system and hepatopancreatic ampulla so that an awareness of these variations may help in surgical planning and prevention of ductal injury. METHODS: Forty human pancreatic specimens were used to study the duct pattern of the pancreas and the formation and mode of termination of the pancreatic ducts. Also, the patency of the main pancreatic ducts, length of the hepatopancreatic ampulla, and length of the main pancreatic duct were measured. RESULTS: The main pancreatic duct was patent in 37 out of 40 specimens, 2 specimens showed the embryonic type of the duct system, and one had the duct obliterated at its duodenal end. The mode of termination of the main pancreatic and common pancreatic ducts was divided into four types. Seventy-five percent specimens belonged to type I, followed by type II in 22.5 % and type III in 2.5 % of specimens. The length of the main pancreatic duct ranged from 11 to 21.2 cm, the average being 17.3 cm, and the length of the hepatopancreatic ampulla varied from 1 to 10 mm (1 to 2 mm-5 %, 3 to 8 mm-55 %, and more than 8 mm in 15 % of specimens), and it was absent in 25 %. CONCLUSION: Awareness of these anomalies may help in surgical planning and prevention of undue ductal injury.

The role of 64-slice CT following perfusion with iohexol via the hepatopancreatic ampulla in assessing pancreaticobiliary junctions.

The aim of this study was to delineate the structure of the pancreatic and biliary ducts in premature infants using a novel imaging method. The duodenal papillae of 30 premature infant cadavers were dissected. The pancreatic and biliary ducts were visualized using 64-detector multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT). Contrast agent was injected into the duodenal papilla via the hepatopancreatic ampulla of Vater. MSCT scanning revealed both the pancreatic and biliary ducts as well as the common channel in 18 cases. The bile duct was visualized in the remaining 12 cases. Four patterns of the pancreaticobiliary ductal junction were noted: Y-type (73.3%), U-type (13.3%), V-type (6.7%), and II-type (6.7%). The results showed that MSCT and three-dimensional reconstruction can be used to visualize the junction pattern and common channel of the pancreatic and biliary ducts, and the structure of the surrounding tissue, in premature infants.