Abstract
Background and aims : Normal variants and congenital anomalies of the pancreas and pancreatic duct are often detected as incidental findings. The current interest in the gross anatomy and the blood supply of the pancreas is based on recent developments in pancreatic surgery, particularly in limited resection of pancreas. The purpose of this study is to review the gross morphology of the pancreas, in South Indians, regarding the dimension and shape of the pancreas, the termination of main pancreatic duct and vascular pattern of head of the pancreas. Materials and methods : One hundred specimens of pancreas, procured from cadavers and autopsy cases from Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur, were carefully studied, and the data obtained were compared with similar reports available in the literature. Results: The mean length of the pancreas was found to be 16.38±2.38cm and the mean width of the head, neck, body and tail of pancreas were 5±0.78cm, 3±0.46cm, 3.7±0.56cm and 2.7±0.34cm respectively. Three different shapes of pancreas were found: oblique, inverted 'V' and sigmoid. Double anterior pancreatico duodenal arterial arcade was observed in 2% of specimens. Conclusion : Knowledge of normal anatomy of the pancreas and vascular pattern is essential for understanding the segmental resection of pancreas and in pancreas-sparing duodenectomy.