Pattern and Position of Portal Vein Formation in a Kenyan Population

Abstract

Even though the PV is described to originate posterior to the neck of the pancreas, 1 pre pancreatic origins have been described. 10 Furthermore, there is barely scientific literature detailing the location of the PV relative to the neck of the pancreas. The aim of this study therefore was to describe variations in the formation of the PV in a Kenyan population. Methods The present study was carried out during routine dissection in the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi. A total of 42 adult cadavers (27 male and 15 female) were included in this study. Cadavers that had features of previous abdominal surgeries or trauma were excluded from the study. After a midline abdominal incision to open the abdomen was made, the SMV, IMV and SV were identified and followed up to the point of PV was formation. Photographs of the variations noted were taken.