The anatomy of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery: a computed tomography angiography analysis with implications for surgical and endovascular procedures.

Introduction: The anterior division of the internal iliac artery (ADIIA) is a crucial vascular structure that supplies blood to the pelvic organs, perineum, and gluteal region. The present study demonstrates practical data concerning the anatomy of the ADIIA and its branches. It is hoped that the results of the current study may aid in localizing the pelvic arteries effectively.

Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis that was carried out to determine the anatomical variations, prevalence, and morphometric data of the ADIIA and its branches. Ultimately, 148 ADIIAs from 73 patients met the necessary criteria and were evaluated in 45 categories.

Results: The most prevalent branch of the ADIIA was found to be the internal pudendal artery, as it was present in 134 of the studied cases (90.5%). The most common first branch of the ADIIA was found to be the umbilical artery (48.5%), whereas the most common last branch of the ADIIA was found to be the inferior gluteal artery (68.4%). The median distance between the origin of the ADIIA and the origin of the uterine artery was found to be 12.00 mm (LQ = 7.49; HQ = 18.63). The median diameter of the ADIIA at its origin was found to be 5.76 mm (LQ = 4.80; HQ = 6.45), whereas the median cross-sectional area at the same point was set to be 24.77 mm2 (LQ = 17.65; HQ = 31.95).

Conclusion: It is hoped that the results of the present study will assist in the localization of the branches of the ADIIA in cases of pelvic hemorrhage and during various pelvic surgeries, including laparoscopic hysterectomies.