Termination pattern of the main and accessory pancreatic ducts among Tanzanians

Abstract

The pancreas has the main and occasionally a patent accessory pancreatic ducts that carry secretions to the duodenum. Anatomical studies on these ducts are limited. The present study observed the anatomy of the two ducts in eighty six Tanzanians’ autopsy subjects to find out if the pattern is similar to those reported from other populations. The patent accessory pancreatic duct, and common channel formed by union of accessory pancreatic duct and common bile duct were present in 29.1% and 7% respectively, and shorter common channels formed by the main pancreatic and common bile duct were observed. These are novel findings and have not been reported before. The variations on the pattern of the two ducts have anatomical and clinical implications. Adequate knowledge of these variations is important for clinical and surgical procedures of the pancreaticobilliary system.

Key words: Pancreas; Pancreatic ducts, Common bile duct; Duodenum