Autopsy study of anatomical features of the posterior gastric artery for surgical contribution.

Aim: To investigate features of the posterior gastric artery (PGA) with respect to incidence, location and size by using autopsy subjects.
Methods: Autopsies were performed on 72 cadavers of adults with no history of abdominal operations. The localization of the PGA, the distance between the root of the splenic artery and the origin of the PGA, and the external diameter of the PGA were examined.
Results: The PGA was recognized in all patients. In 70 (97.2%) cadavers, the PGA branched from the splenic artery, and one female in this group had two PGAs. In 1 (1.4%) patient, the PGA originated from the root of the celiac trunk and in another (1.4%) patient, the PGA branched from the superior polar artery. Overall, the PGA extended for a length of 5.8-12.2 (mean, 8.4) cm from the root of the splenic artery, and the external diameter of the PGA was 1.2-3.2 (mean, 2) mm.
Conclusion: The anatomical features of the PGA can be readily observed and characterized by autopsy. This study has provided valuable information on the features of the PGA useful in the planning of surgical treatment.