Unveiling the uncommon: Exploring a rare variant in right ovarian vein drainage: A case report

The right ovarian vein typically drains into the inferior vena cava, while the left ovarian vein terminates in the left renal vein. Variations in the drainage pattern of the ovarian veins are infrequent, with reported incidences ranging from 0.03 % to 9.9 % across various studies. However, rare anatomical variations can significantly complicate surgical procedures, particularly lymphadenectomy for ovarian cancer.

We present a case of a patient in her 40s referred to Salah Azaiez Institute for ovarian cancer management. We performed ovarian staging. During the retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, we identified an unusual anatomical variation in the drainage of the right ovarian vein.

Anatomical variations of the ovarian and renal veins, although rare, have significant clinical implications. A cadaveric study revealed that only 3 out of 94 dissected ovarian veins exhibited variations, with one draining into the inferior vena cava (0.01 %). Such variations can lead to vascular and postoperative complications, emphasizing the need for vascular surgeons, urologists, and oncologists to understand these anomalies thoroughly. Preoperative imaging using computed tomography angiography is crucial for identifying these variations before surgical interventions, thus enhancing surgical planning and clinical outcomes.

This case underscores the importance for surgeons to be aware of anatomical variations during retroperitoneal surgeries to prevent complications and ensure optimal surgical outcomes.