Chapter 7

Pancreas: Anatomy and Structural Anomalies

Kevin Tri Nguyen

Kevin Tri Nguyen

University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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Diane M. Simeone

Diane M. Simeone

University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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First published: 27 November 2015

Summary

Current cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as thin-cut pancreatic protocol computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP), have greatly increased the understanding of pancreatic anatomy, and the ability to manipulate the pancreas surgically, endoscopically, and percutaneously has made it necessary for a wide variety of physicians to become familiar with pancreatic anatomical variations. The central position of the pancreas provides for lymphatic drainage along several major routes, namely, the splenic, hepatic, and superior mesenteric nodal systems as well as the aortocaval and other posterior abdominal wall lymphatics. Although the pancreas is located retroperitoneally, it must be approached by way of an anterior laparotomy incision. The e general pattern of veins draining the pancreas is the same as that of the arterial blood supply. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been used to visualize the ductal system in annular pancreas and is diagnostic of the disorder.

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