Rare vascular anomalies in the femoral triangle during varicose vein surgery

Abstract

Background: We observed several cases of rare vascular anomalies within the femoral triangle during varicose vein operations. Methods: From among 2,093 patients who underwent stripping operations of the great saphenous vein between January 2002 and June 2016, 14 cases of rare vascular anomalies were enrolled in this study. Results: Twelve cases of femoral artery and vein transposition (0.57%), 1 case of separate entrance of the great saphenous vein trunk and its tributaries (0.05%), and 1 case of separate entrance with femoral artery and vein transposition (0.05%) were observed. The preoperative diagnosis rate was 71% (10 of 14) using duplex ultrasound. In all cases of femoral artery and vein transposition, the saphenofemoral junction was located at the lateral or posterolateral side of the superficial femoral artery, corresponding to complete or incomplete transposition, respectively. Among the 12 cases of femoral artery and vein transposition, 5 cases were complete transposition and 7 cases were incomplete transposition. In 2 cases of separate entrance of the great saphenous vein trunk and its tributaries, the separated tributaries formed a common trunk before connecting to the femoral vein. Conclusion: The anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction may infrequently be altered in some individuals. Detailed preoperative sonographic examinations and meticulous groin dissection during the operation are necessary to prepare for unexpected anatomical variations.