A Study of Relationship of Celiac Ganglion with Celiac Artery and Superior Mesenteric Artery

Background: Anatomical variations of celiac ganglion are a subject of interest amongst anatomist of all over world, with a difference of opinion regarding its various parameters. The term celiac plexus is related to the proximity of the ganglion to celiac artery. The study was conducted to find out the relationship of celiac ganglion with the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery, so that a predictable pattern of relationship could be established. Methods: Twenty embalmed adult cadavers (17 males and 3 females) were dissected for this study. In all the bodies a midline abdominal incision was given. Abdominal organs such as liver, stomach, spleen, duodenum, small intestine was removed with the preservation of diaphragm, posterior abdominal wall and abdominal aorta with its branches. The celiac ganglion was identified the peritoneum on its anterior surface was removed carefully. Great care was taken to not to disturb the ganglion from underlying fascia and thus to preserve the true anatomical relation to celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery. Conclusion: The ganglion was inferolateral to celiac artery in 90% (18 out of 20) cases on right side and 80% (16 out of 20) cases on left side. 10% ganglia on right and 20% ganglia on left side were superolateral to the celiac artery. The ganglion was superolateral to the superior mesenteric artery in 80% (16 out of 20) cases on right side and 85% (17 out of 20) cases on left side. It was inferolateral to superior mesenteric artery in 20% (4 out of 20) cases on right side and 15% (3 out of 20) cases on left side.