Valves of the gonadal veins

Abstract

Summary Purpose: Varicocele seems not to rely on the number of valves within the pampiniform plexus, the initial failure might be located on a higher level. Therefore, the failure should also occur in females. There is a comparable disease, Pelvic congestion syndrome, as result of pelvic venous engorgement due to gross dilatation and incompetence of ovarian veins.Thus, we need a detailed description of venous course, branching as well as frequencies and locations of valves within both genders. Page 3/23 Material and Methods: In 31 Caucasian formalin-fixed bodies (15 males, 16 females) we investigated course and valves from Ovaries or internal inguinal ring, respectively, up to termination into inferior vena cava or left renal vein, respectively. Specimens were documented photographically and by a distinct protocol. Results: In general, we found one valve on each side (testicular vein right 41.93%, left 51.52%; ovarian vein right 51.61%, left 45.45%). Two specimens had two valves per vein, each in a left testicular vein, and 15 veins showed absent valves. Valves existed between 0.0–4.5 cm, mainly 0.0–1.0 cm. One corpse showed varicose ovarian veins. Conclusion: If veins show varices, one would expect missing valves or insufficient function. In contrast, none of our 15 valve-less veins showed varices or even enlargement. Also surprising, the only case with varices had one valve on each side. The terminal segment in both genders was almost identical and the venous course was similar. Precisely: men frequently had (N=11) less valves then women (N=4).