A Study on the Variations of the Branching Pattern of the Internal ILIAC Artery

The internal iliac artery formerly known as the hypogastric artery is the main artery of the pelvis. The exact arrangement of branches of the internal iliac artery is variable. Knowledge about these variations is of great value, for surgeons while performing surgery in the pelvis. Fourty pelvic halves were dissected to study the variations in the origin of the principal branches of the internal iliac artery. The principal branches were superior vesical, the internal pudendal, inferior gluteal and superior gluteal. The origin of the cited arteries were arranged in a tabular form and categorized into their types and sub types on classification system expounded by Ashley and Anson. and compared with the data available from other sources to find out the variations and similarities existing between the various population groups. Among 40 pelvic halves, 37 specimens showed Type 111 pattern, 2 specimens showed Type V pattern and 1 specimen showed type 1V pattern. In order to minimize blood loss or prevent subsequent acute or delayed ischemia or venous stasis surgeons working in the pelvic area should be well oriented to the normal individual or pathologic pelvic blood supply.