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Henle’s Trunk

Henle’s Trunk (Gastrocolic Trunk of Henle)

Anatomy

  • Location: Henle’s trunk, also known as the Gastrocolic Trunk of Henle, is a venous structure located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is situated near the head of the pancreas, typically behind the first part of the duodenum.
  • Formation: The trunk is formed by the convergence of several veins:
    • Right Gastroepiploic Vein: Drains the greater curvature of the stomach.
    • Anterior Superior Pancreaticoduodenal Vein: Drains part of the pancreas and duodenum.
    • Right Colic Vein (sometimes): Drains the ascending colon.
  • Drainage: Henle’s trunk typically drains into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), which is a significant vessel in the portal venous system. The SMV then continues to join the splenic vein to form the portal vein.

Clinical Significance

  • Surgical Considerations:
    • Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): During this surgery, identification and preservation or controlled ligation of Henle’s trunk are crucial to avoid excessive bleeding.
    • Right Colectomy: Knowledge of the venous anatomy, including Henle’s trunk, is essential for avoiding vascular injury and ensuring proper ligation during the procedure.
    • Liver Transplantation: Understanding the portal venous anatomy, including tributaries like Henle’s trunk, is important in planning and executing the surgery.
  • Pathological Considerations:
    • Venous Thrombosis: Thrombosis of Henle’s trunk can lead to complications such as venous congestion in the associated organs (stomach, pancreas, and colon).
    • Tumor Involvement: Cancers of the pancreas or duodenum may involve Henle’s trunk, requiring careful surgical dissection.

Imaging

  • CT and MRI: The trunk can be visualized using contrast-enhanced CT or MRI, especially in planning for surgery or assessing for venous involvement by tumors.

Conclusion

Understanding Henle’s trunk is vital in abdominal surgeries, particularly those involving the pancreas, duodenum, and right colon. Its anatomical variations and proximity to major vessels make it a critical structure to identify and manage during surgical procedures. Proper preoperative imaging and careful dissection techniques are essential to minimize complications.