Study on Variations in the Origin and Branching Pattern of Internal Iliac Artery in Cadavers

Abstract

The variations in blood vessels are common and have long received the attention of anatomists and surgeons. The true pelvic cavity usually refers to that part of pelvis, which has its bony walls, the sacrum and lower part of hip bone. This small area is well covered by bones and has important structures namely the pelvic viscera, pelvic floor muscles, vessels and nerves supplying it. The aim of the study was to know the branching pattern of internal iliac artery based on the Adachis classification, along with length and thickness of artery. The internal iliac artery was traced from its origin, course, branching pattern, length and thickness of the trunk of internal iliac artery was measured by using digital vernier calliper from its point of origin to bifurcation into anterior and posterior division. The length of right & left internal iliac artery ranged from 2.4 cm to 5.4 cm with average length of 3.943cm ± 0.859cm, whereas the length of left internal iliac artery ranged from 2.7cm to 4.7cm with average length of 3.610cm ± 0.626cm. Bilateral ligation of internal iliac artery is helpful in controlling postpartum haemorrhage. Applying ligatures on an anomalous blood vessel may lead to alarming haemorrhage. The most ideal point of ligation of internal iliac artery would be distal to its posterior division, since proximal ligation has been associated with buttock claudication and necrosis. Knowledge regarding the internal iliac artery and its branches is helpful in applying ligatures safely during pelvic surgeries.