Which vascular structures should be carefully examined during a splenectomy?

During a splenectomy, a thorough examination of the splenic artery and vein is essential due to their direct relationship with the spleen. The splenic artery, which branches from the celiac trunk, supplies blood to the spleen, while the splenic vein drains blood from the spleen into the portal vein. Since these vessels are intimately associated with the spleen, any pathology or complications, such as thrombus formation or anatomical variations, might affect these structures during surgery.

Careful handling and identification of the splenic artery and vein are crucial to prevent excessive bleeding and ensure adequate blood supply to surrounding structures postoperatively. Additionally, knowledge of the anatomy and any surrounding vascular connections can reduce the risk of intraoperative complications such as injury to adjacent organs or blood vessels.

The other choices pertain to vessels that are either not directly involved with the spleen or are relevant to other surgical contexts, making them less critical to examine during this specific procedure.