Anatomical, radiological and histological investigation of the great and small saphenous veins

To provide information on superficial veins of the lower limb such as anatomic variations, valve distribution, termination forms, and histological properties of vein walls. Two hundred greater saphenous veins in 200 patients and 10 cadavers were investigated. Ultrasound examinations were performed in the Department of Radiology, Ataturk Hospital between December 2004 and October 2005. The lateral accessory branch of the great saphenous vein was found in 75 persons while in 48 persons no major branch was encountered. In addition, medial accessory branch of the great saphenous vein was observed in 17 8.5% on both sides. The popliteal type of termination was found in 211 cases. The small saphenous vein gave off perforating branches to the popliteal vein in 29 persons. The diameters of such veins were all measured on both sides of the cadavers and ultrasonographically on patients. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference. One hundred and fifty-six valves were classified according to their position and type. The maximum number of valves was found in the first interval and the minimum number was in the second interval. The valves were mostly in Type III format. Knowledge on the anatomic variations and characteristics of the valves of the superficial veins of the lower limbs can be helpful in clinical practice and surgical operations concerning the lower extremity

Numerical variation of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery

A numerical anomaly of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin, and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery were encountered during a routine upper abdomen dissection of a 62-year-old male cadaver. The aim of this study was to describe a rare celiac trunk and dorsal pancreatic artery variation in detail, which can be a guide and precaution during operative procedures in this region. The abdominal aorta, its branches and the pancreas were cut and removed just above the celiac trunk and below the superior mesenteric artery to investigate the vascular distribution of the pancreas in detail. The celiac trunk divided into the left gastric, hepatic, splenic, and dorsal pancreatic arteries. The anatomical variation of the celiac trunk and splenic artery makes it vulnerable to iatrogenic surgery. Knowledge of the existing aberrations is important in planning and conducting surgical procedures