Pancreaticobiliary ductal anatomy in the normal population

Abstract

Background: The complex anatomy of the pancreaticobiliary duct was crucial in management of pancreatic and biliary tract disease. Materials and Methods: Fresh specimens of pancreas, common bile duct (CBD), and duodenum were obtained en bloc from autopsies of 160 patients. Results: Ninety-three male and 67 female patients were included. The length of the pancreas ranged from 9.8-20 cm (mean, 16.20 +/- 1.70 cm). The intrapancreatic portion of the CBD showed patterns of three types: most common (85.30%) was type A, in which the anterior surface of the common bile duct was totally covered, while its posterior surface was partially covered, by the pancreatic parenchyma. On dissection of the accessory duct of Santorini, the accessory duct was traceable to the duodenal wall in 67.6%. The anatomy of the Wirsung-choledochus confluence was grouped into five different types. The common channel was found in 75.60% and its length varied from just a common junction (so-called "V-type" anatomy) to 15 mm (Y-type-b). Separate papillae (so-called "II-type") were found in 15.3% of specimens. Conclusions: Several important points regarding the anatomy of the pancreaticobiliary junction and pancreatic ductal system were illustrated in this study.