CASE REPORT

Preduodenal portal vein: A potential laparoscopic cholecystectomy nightmare

N. Bhorat^I; S. R. Thomson^II; F. Anderson^III

^IM.B. B.CH.; Department of Surgery, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal, Durban
^IICH.M., F.R.C.S. (EDIN. ENG.); Department of Surgery, Addington Hospital and Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, university of Natal, Durban
^IIIF.C.S. (S.A.), M.MED.; Department of Surgery, Addington Hospital and Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, university of Natal, Durban

ABSTRACT

Variations of biliary anatomy are well described. Those of most relevance to the operative surgeon are the variations of the extrahepatic ducts and their relationships to the right hepatic artery and its branches. We describe another even rarer congenital anomaly of a preduodenal portal vein. Its embryological derivation and presentation are discussed to heighten awareness of its recognition and reduce the potential of a serious operative misadventure.

“Full text available only in PDF format”

REFERENCES

1. Begg AS. Anomalous persistence in embryos of parts of peri-intestinal rings formed by vitelline veins. Am F Anat 1912; 13: 103-110.         [ Links ]

2. Knight HO. An anomalous portal vein with its surgical dangers. Ann Surg 1921; 192: 174: 697-699.         [ Links ]

3. Schnitzler J. Ueber Eine Cigentumlicle 'Missbildung mit Stenosierung des Mlagenausgangs'. Med Klin 1926; 22: 723.         [ Links ]

4. Sadler TW. Medical Embryology. 6th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1990: 214-217.         [ Links ]

5. Braun P, Collin PP, Ducharme JC. Preduodenal portal vein: A significant entity? Report of 2 cases and review of the literature. Can F Surg 1974; 17: 316-319.         [ Links ]

6. Ishizaki Y, Tanaka M, Okuyama T. Surgical implications of preduodenal portal vein in the adult. Arch Surg 1994; 129: 773-775.         [ Links ]

7. Snavely JG, Breakell ES. Fatal hemorrhage from esophageal varices due to malformations and congenital stenoses in the portal venous system. Am F Med 1954; 16: 459.         [ Links ]

8. Bernard LJ F, Perry A, Walker M. Preduodenal portal vein causing duodenal obstruction with bleeding duodenal ulcer: a case report. Ann Surg 1959; 150: 909-912.         [ Links ]