An Unconventional Origin of the Right Colic Artery: A Case Report

Abstract

Anatomical variations of the origin of the right colic artery exist. Routine dissection of a cadaver revealed that the right colic artery arose from the proximal middle colic artery prior to the latter's branching. Hence, a common stem of the right colic artery and the middle colic artery existed, where this common stem arose directly from the superior mesenteric artery. Limited documentation of the specific right colic-middle colic common branch variation, displays an opportunity within the literature for further case reports and research into this variation to revise incidence rates of this right colic artery origin that will subsequently influence medical education and surgical procedures and ultimately, patient treatment and care.