In the performance of a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), the superior mesenteric vein is an important landmark. Which of the following statements is/are true with regard to the superior mesenteric vein?
A. Small venous branches enter the superior mesenteric vein anteriorly as it courses beneath the neck of the pancreas
B. The superior mesenteric vein joins the splenic vein at the superior border of the pancreas to form the portal vein
C. Small venous branches enter the superior mesenteric vein laterally as it courses beneath the neck of the pancreas
D. The superior mesenteric vein courses anterior to the neck of the pancreas
Answer:B
In the performance of a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), the superior mesenteric vein is an important landmark. Which of the following statements is/are true with regard to the superior mesenteric vein?
A. Small venous branches enter the superior mesenteric vein anteriorly as it courses beneath the neck of the pancreas B. The superior mesenteric vein joins the splenic vein at the superior border of the pancreas to form the portal vein C. Small venous branches enter the superior mesenteric vein laterally as it courses beneath the neck of the pancreas D. The superior mesenteric vein courses anterior to the neck of the pancreas