Superficial External Pudendal Artery in Femoral Triangle-A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction: The femoral artery is the main artery of lower limb. Superficial external pudendal artery is superficial branch of femoral artery. The importance of the superficial external pudendal artery in cases of lower limb obstructive arteriopathies has been established and perfect knowledge of its anatomy is desirable for the creation of successful flaps involving it. Aim: To know the origin of superficial external pudendal artery and its distance of origin from midinguinal point and side of origin of superficial external pudendal artery in femoral triangle. Materials and Methods: Forty lower limbs from embalmed cadavers allotted for dissection to the MBBS students were dissected. The inguinal region of all lower limbs was exposed. After refracting skin at inguinal region, Femoral artery and its superficial branch- Superficial external pudendal artery was traced in femoral triangle. Results: Superficial external pudendal artery originated from femoral artery in 27 specimens, by a common trunk with superficial epigastric artery in five specimens and by a common trunk with both superficial epigastric artery and superficial circumflex iliac artery in eight specimens. The distance of origin from the midinguinal point was within 3 cm in 37 specimens and between 3.1 – 6 cm in three specimens. The superficial external pudendal artery arises from medial side in 32 specimens, from anterior side in seven specimens and anteromedial side in one specimen. Conclusion: The present study is important for surgeons as it provides knowledge about the anatomy and variations of superficial external pudendal artery to achieve best results in surgeries.

Keywords

• femoral artery
• penile reconstruction
• reconstructive flap.
• vulvar reconstruction