Understanding Obturator Veins: Crucial to Abdominal Surgeries
Obturator veins, located in the pelvis near the thigh, play a crucial role in blood circulation. They enter the pelvis through the obturator canal and connect to pubic veins, draining blood from the lower back, hips, and urinary/reproductive tracts. These veins can be injured during abdominal surgeries, particularly when repairing femoral hernias.
The obturator veins are positioned in the pelvis, close to the back of the thigh. They drain blood into the internal iliac vein. The anatomical proximity of these veins to the femoral canal makes them susceptible to injury during surgical procedures in the abdominal area, especially during the repair of femoral hernias. In some individuals, obturator veins form a single vessel, while in others, they are bifurcated, splitting into two vessels.
Understanding the location and function of obturator veins is vital for surgeons performing abdominal procedures. Their susceptibility to injury, particularly during femoral hernia repairs, highlights the importance of careful surgical techniques to minimise potential complications.
