Nonneoplastic celiac axis occlusion in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Celiac artery occlusion occurs in a small percentage of the population. Identifying this is critical in planning for pancreaticoduodenectomy. We reviewed 332 patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy, and identified 14 patients with celiac artery occlusion. Methods: Between 1988 and 2006, 14 (4%) of 332 patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy had median arcuate ligament syndrome with celiac artery occlusion (6 men, 8 women; mean age, 70 y; range, 38-80 y). Patients underwent preoperative imaging with computed tomography (n = 14) and angiography (n = 13). Results: Patients were diagnosed preoperatively (n = 13) and intraoperatively (n = 1) with celiac artery occlusion. Surgeries included classic pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 12), pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 1), median arcuate ligament release (n = 10), and vascular reconstructions (n = 4), with no surgical mortalities and postoperative complications in 6 patients (46%). Conclusions: We report our experience of median arcuate ligament syndrome with celiac artery occlusion in 4% of our patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Patients underwent median arcuate ligament release, vascular reconstruction, and/or stenting. Angiography diagnosed celiac artery occlusion and allowed preoperative planning. Pancreatic surgeons must understand the importance of identifying celiac artery occlusion before resection to prevent severe complications.