Pancreaticoduodenectomy with hepatic arterial revascularization for pancreatic head cancer with stenosis of the celiac axis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament: a case report

A 71-year-old woman presented to our hospital because pancreatic head cancer was suspected on a medical checkup. Computed tomography showed a 30 mm low-density lesion in the pancreatic head, and the stenosis of the celiac axis (CA) due to the median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression. We made a preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic head cancer and performed laparotomy. Transection of the MAL failed to restore adequate hepatic arterial flow, necessitating arterial revascularization, which was achieved by end-to-end anastomosis between the gastroduodenal artery and the middle colic artery. After reconstruction, Doppler ultrasonography showed improved hepatic arterial signal. The patient was discharged 16 days after surgery with no complications. When planning pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for such patients with CA stenosis due to MAL compression, surgeons should simulate a situation of insufficient hepatic arterial flow after division of the MAL, and prepare for reconstruction of the hepatic artery during PD.