title: A review of the anatomical variations of the posterior tributaries of the left renal vein.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Variations of the posterior tributaries of the left renal vein (LRV) are frequently encountered during various urological and vascular procedures. This can be explained by the complex embryological and anatomical arrangements of these tributaries, as well as variations in their nomenclature.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To increase awareness of the anatomical variations of the posterior tributaries of the LRV.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one kidneys were dissected. All anatomical variations of the posterior tributaries of the LRV were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study highlights lumbar tributaries are common on the left side. A single left lumbar tributary was found entering the posterior surface of the LRV in 10 out of 11 specimens. However, their drainage patterns showed varied anatomical configurations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This cadaveric study was aimed to draw attention to surgically important variations of the posterior tributaries of the LRV. Increased awareness among surgeons can considerably reduce the potential risk of vascular injuries during renal surgery.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Anatomy, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. omerham@hotmail.com
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Raheem
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Glacken
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mohan
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Hickey
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012082:Renal Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology*