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Anatomical relationship between saphenous vein and cutaneous nerves
G Murakami1, N Negishi, K Tanaka
1Department of Anatomy, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica
|May 1, 1994
Summary
This study examined lower limb vein and nerve anatomy to improve varicose vein stripping. A close, sometimes adhesive, relationship between the great saphenous vein and nerves necessitates limited vein removal to prevent nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Varicose vein treatment often involves saphenous vein stripping.
- Potential nerve injury is a complication of this procedure.
- Detailed anatomical knowledge is crucial for surgical safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical relationship between saphenous veins and cutaneous nerves in the lower limb.
- To re-evaluate the saphenous vein stripping technique in light of these anatomical findings.
- To provide recommendations for minimizing nerve injury during surgery.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 148 lower limbs from 74 cadavers.
- Detailed examination of the anatomical proximity and relationship between the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and surrounding cutaneous nerves.
- Histological assessment of adhesive relationships between veins and nerves.
Main Results:
- The great saphenous vein exhibited a frequent intimate and sometimes adhesive relationship with the saphenous nerve in the leg.
- The great saphenous vein also showed close associations with cutaneous nerves in the thigh.
- The small saphenous vein was often near calf nerves (e.g., sural nerve), but rarely showed an adhesive relationship.
Conclusions:
- The anatomical configuration of superficial veins and nerves varies across the lower limb.
- Limited great saphenous vein extraction is advised during stripping to mitigate the risk of nerve injury.
- Understanding these specific anatomical relationships can enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety.