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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Applied Clinical Anatomy of Gut Vascular Supply: A Narrative Review of Segmental Perfusion, Watershed Vulnerability, and Surgical Implications

Authors: Zaparackaite I; Govani ND; Singh H; Singh SJ; Mehta AR; Midha PK; Patel R; +1 Authors

Applied Clinical Anatomy of Gut Vascular Supply: A Narrative Review of Segmental Perfusion, Watershed Vulnerability, and Surgical Implications

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To synthesise the applied clinical anatomy of gastrointestinal vascular supply with emphasis on watershed zones, circumferential perfusion patterns, and mechanisms of vascular compromise. The review aims to provide surgeons and clinicians with a practical, anatomically grounded framework for understanding perfusion vulnerability, intraoperative decision-making, and the pathophysiology of ischemic injury. Design: Narrative review integrating anatomical, surgical, radiological, and physiological literature with clinically oriented interpretation. Enhanced diagrams and comparative tables are used to support clarity and accessibility. Data Sources: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar for literature relating to gastrointestinal vascular anatomy, mesenteric perfusion, watershed zones, ischemic colitis, and surgical assessment of bowel viability. Additional sources included anatomical atlases, operative textbooks, and key clinical reviews. Results: The review highlights the segmental and collateral vascular architecture of the gut, with particular focus on: • The unique vascular features of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, appendix, and colon • Critical watershed zones at Griffith’s point and Sudeck’s point, where perfusion is most vulnerable • The role of circumferential blood supply and the antimesenteric border in early ischemic change • The impact of bowel distention, volvulus, and venous congestion on perfusion compromise • Practical intraoperative markers of viability and perfusion adequacy A clinically oriented synthesis is presented to support surgical planning, risk assessment, and interpretation of ischemic patterns.

Keywords

Gastrointestinal Vascular Anatomy; Mesenteric Circulation; Watershed Zones; Griffith's Point; Sudeck's Point; Bowel Ischemia; Antimesenteric Border; Mesenteric Perfusion; Ischemic Colitis; Bowel Viability Assessment; Surgical Anatomy; Collateral Circulation; Intestinal Distention; Venous Congestion; Perfusion Imaging

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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