Normal pancreatic dimensions in the adult human.

Thirty cadaver pancreas specimens were dissected and carefully measured. The weights were recorded and averaged 91.8 g (range: 40.9 to 182 g). The glands were then divided into three segments using the common bile duct of the portal vein as sites of transection, and the various specimens were weighed. The data suggest that a pancreatectomy done to the left of the common bile duct will remove 90% of the gland and resection done to the left of the portal vein will remove about 60% of the gland. It is hoped that these data will be useful to surgeons in estimating the magnitude of pancreatic resection.