Internal iliac vein
Large blood vessel of the pelvis
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Several veins unite above the greater sciatic foramen to form the internal iliac vein. It does not have the predictable branches of the internal iliac artery but its tributaries drain the same regions. The internal iliac vein emerges from above the level of the greater sciatic notch It runs backwards, upwards and towards the midline to join the external iliac vein in forming the common iliac vein in front of the sacroiliac joint. It usually lies lateral to the internal iliac artery. It is wide and 3 cm long.
Tributaries
Originating outside the pelvis, its tributaries are the gluteal, internal pudendal and obturator veins. Running from the anterior surface of the sacrum are the lateral sacral veins. Coming from the pelvic plexuses and appropriate to gender are the middle rectal, vesical, prostatic, uterine and vaginal veins.
Variation
On the left, the internal iliac vein lies lateral to the internal iliac artery 73% of the time. On the right, this is 93% of the time.
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Function
The internal iliac veins drain the pelvic organs, sacrum, and coccyx.
Clinical significance
If thrombosis disrupts blood flow in the external iliac systems, the internal iliac tributaries offer a major route of venous return from the femoral system. Damage to internal iliac vein tributaries during surgery can seriously compromise venous drainage and cause swelling of one or both legs.