Surgical anatomy of the innervation of the major duodenal papilla in human and Suncus murinus, from the perspective of preserving innervation in organ-saving procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have focused on the detailed surgical anatomy of the innervation of the major duodenal papillary region, especially in relation to duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) and its modified procedures, which is crucial to preserving the innervation of the papillary region. The aim of this study is to clarify the neural distribution of the major duodenal papilla in humans.

METHODS: The pancreas, duodenum, and surrounding structures were dissected in 10 cadavers and immersed in a 0.001% solution of alizarin red S in ethanol to stain the peripheral nerves. The details of the innervation in the above areas were confirmed using a binocular microscope. Similarly, the distribution in 10 Suncus murinus was examined by whole mount immunohistochemistry method with antineurofilament protein antibody.

RESULTS: The innervation of the papillary region in humans involved 2 systems. One arose from the celiac plexus, which through the anterior hepatic plexus running along the arcades of the superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries and through the posterior hepatic plexus running along or accompanying the common bile duct (CBD) or Wirsung's duct, innervated the papillary region. The other arose from the superior mesenteric plexus wound around the arcades of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries innervating the papillary region. The results in S. murinus supported those in humans.

CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the importance of the nervus-preserving of the major duodenal papilla and CBD by a suitable pancreatic head remnant, preserving the pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcades and avoiding kocherization of the CBD in DPPHR and its modified procedures.