Venous anatomy of the right colon: three-dimensional topographic mapping of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle.
BACKGROUND
The gastrocolic trunk of Henle has not been described in detail in context with right hemicolectomy. The aim of this study was to define the caliber, length and three-dimensional position of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GTH).


METHODS
We studied 10 fresh (<24 h) cadavers. A corrosion cast method was employed. Cold polymerized methylacrylate was injected into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and artery. GTH diameter, length and point of confluence with the SMV were assessed.


RESULTS
The GTH was present in all specimens originating from the confluence of the right gastroepiploic and superior-anterior pancreaticoduodenal veins. The GTH joined the SMV at an average distance of 2.2 cm (range, 1.6-3.2 cm) from the inferior pancreatic border and it coursed towards the right side in a ventral-cranial direction. The mean caliber and length of the GTH were 5.2 mm (range, 4.8-5.8 mm) and 16.1 mm (range, 10.1-20.7 mm), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The GTH is a short, medium-sized vessel of potential clinical significance with a consistent ventral-cranial direction.
Ignjatovic
D
D
Department of Research and Development, Forde Health System, School of Medicine, Bergen University, 6807, Forde, Norway.
Stimec
B
B
Finjord
T
T
Bergamaschi
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply*; D016319:Corrosion Casting / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008642:Mesenteric Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged