[About the tributaries of the arch of great saphenous vein. Concerning 40 dissections].

The arch of the great saphenous vein cross receives numerous tributaries from the abdominal wall, male external genitalia and pelvic limbs. These collaterals present many variations relating to their number and mode of anastomosis. Their misappreciation may lead to post operative recurrences after surgical treatment of varices. For a last study of these variations, we dissected 40 inguinofemoral regions in fresh black african corpes. The conventional type in a "vein strar" shape was present in 4 cases. An abdominal common vein produced through the merging of the superficial epigastric and superficial circumflex iliac veins was found in 5 cases. A genital common vein summarising the external pudendal veins was present in 19 cases. In 8 cases the abdominal and genital common vein was simultaneously present. An anterior saphenous vein was found in 15 cases, and a posterior saphenous vein in 5 cases. These results, confirm the importance of anatomic variations. Their knowledge is necessary to avoid recurrences after surgery of varicose veins.