Duplicated Inferior Vena Cava in a Patient With Ampullary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review of Anatomical Variations

Duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare anatomical anomaly as a result of failed regression of the left supracardinal vein during the embryonic stage. This anatomical variation has certain surgical implications and could lead to potential catastrophe perioperatively. We hereby report a case of a 54 years old male in whom a whipple procedure was performed with type 1 duplicated IVC for ampullary adenocarcinoma. Review of current literature of such anatomical anomaly will also be discussed. This venous anomaly must be kept in mind in all surgical procedures involving the retroperitoneum to minimise the risk of incomplete lymph node dissection and life-threatening bleeding, and to guide management for deep vein thrombosis in the post-operative setting.