Anatomy of Fascial Canal of Great Saphenous Vein: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: The fascial canal for great saphenous vein has a variable presence throughout the course of the vein. The anatomy of great saphenous vein and its tributary becomes complicated owing to interruptions and variability of the saphenous fascia around the knee compared with the upper portion of thigh and lower portion of leg. It has been observed that vein not enclosed in saphenous fascial canal is prone to have dilatations which can lead to varicosity of the vein. Aim: To study the length and extent of fascia of great saphenous vein in 10 male and five female cadavers by macroscopic and microscopic observation. And also to note the length of great saphenous vein in thigh and leg. Materials and Methods: An observational cadaveric study was done in which 10 male and five female cadavers were obtained and superficial dissection was performed in order to expose the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) and its fascia. The lower limb was divided into eight equal quadrants and sample was taken from each quadrant for microscopic examination to confirm presence of saphenous fascia. Results: In present study, there was absence of fascia in 30 lower limb (13.33%) in whole length of great saphenous vein. There was no case in which the fascia extended throughout the length of great saphenous vein. No fascial canal was found in the lowermost quarter of leg. Conclusion: Knowledge of the presence of saphenous fascia is essential while performing endovenous ablation. The utility of compression therapy and extent of compression needed may vary depending upon the presence or absence of saphenous fascia around great saphenous vein.