Inferior mesenteric vein variation in draining pattern: A cadaveric study

Abstract               Background and Objectives: This article examines the variation in the drainage pattern of inferior mesentric vein. During the routine cadaveric dissection of the abdomen at the department of Anatomy of HBTMC and Dr. R.N Cooper hospital, Mumbai, in one of the cadaver it was found that the Inferior Mesentric Vein (IMV) drained into the confluence of splenic and Superior mesenteric vein. Generally, Anatomy resources consistently state that, the Inferior Mesentric Vein anatomically joins and drains into the splenic vein. However, the Inferior Mesentric Vein can also join and drain into the Superior mesenteric vein or the junction between the splenic vein and the Superior mesenteric vein. Material and Method: Study carried out on 30 cadavers during the period of 3 years in the Department of Anatomy of HBTMC and Dr. R.N .Cooper hospital, Mumbai. Conclusion: It has been observed that all the three sites of drainage are not reported in the Anatomy textbooks. Prerequisite information of the drainage pattern of Inferior Mesentric Vein is important for surgeons to choose adequate technique and to avoid injury to inferior mesenteric vein.

Key Word: inferior and superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein, dehiscence.