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Obturator Vein

vena obturatoria

The obturator vein accompanies the obturator artery through the obturator canal, draining the adductor compartment of the thigh and the hip joint. It drains into the internal iliac vein and communicates with the femoral and accessory obturator veins. An accessory obturator vein connecting the obturator vein to the inferior epigastric vein (the corona mortis venous equivalent) is present in approximately 50% of individuals.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The obturator vein and its variable anastomoses with the inferior epigastric vessels (corona mortis, the crown of death) are the primary vascular hazard in direct inguinal and femoral hernia repair. The corona mortis venous anastomosis crosses the superior pubic ramus in the operative field of Cooper ligament repair and laparoscopic herniorrhaphy; inadvertent division causes difficult haemorrhage in the space of Retzius. Systematic identification and ligation of corona mortis vessels before mesh placement reduces this risk.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Corona Mortis Injury in Hernia Repair

An accessory obturator vein anastomosing with the inferior epigastric vein across the superior pubic ramus, known as the corona mortis, is injured during pelvic fracture stabilisation and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, causing profuse venous haemorrhage in the retropubic space requiring immediate suture control.