Smaller veins from the stomach and pancreas also contribute to portal vein blood flow. The splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein join behind the neck of the pancreas to form the main portal vein.

portal vein; splenic v, vein. (d) Endoscopic ultrasound image of the same patient shows the mass indenting the SMV. This tumor was successfully removed at surgery. (a) Axial pancreatic phase ...

(a) Axial pancreatic-phase multidetector computed ... the spleno-mesenteric confluence and the portal vein (short arrows). In addition, direct invasion into the duodenum is also obvious.

There were concerns about operating on the tumour as it was located on Bryony's portal vein, which transports blood from the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen to the liver.