Anatomical variations of saphenofemoral junction encountered during venous surgery

Objectives: The term, ‘varicose veins’ is used commonly to describe the enlargement and tortuosity of lower extremity veins. However varicose veins can occur elsewhere. The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins. In this article we aimed to present common anatomical variations of saphenofemoral junction encountered during surgical procedures in young adult patient population. Materials and Methods: Between January 2011 and January 2013, saphenofemoral junction compositions were investigated in 156 young adult patients who underwent great saphenous vein stripping with the diagnosis of superficial venous insufficiency. Data regarding the mean age of the patients, venous side branches draining to the saphenofemoral junction, the number of bifid saphenous vein and the distance between saphenous vein bifurcation to the saphenofemoral junction were recorded. Results: The age of patients were 21.64 ± 0.91(min:21, max: 25) and the number of side branches draining to the saphenofemoral junction was 4.9 ± 1.6 (min:1, max:8). Branches draining directly to the common femoral vein at the level of junction were detected in 4 cases (2.56%). Bifid saphenous vein was observed in 9 cases (5.7%), and three of them were draining to the junction as a common trunk. Conclusions: It should be kept in mind that the success rate of the surgical procedure may be relevant to anatomical variation. To be familiar with the anatomical variations may decrease the recurrence rates of disease.