Iliolumbar vein

Looks like

A vein running from the lower lumbar spine and iliac bone to the common iliac vein.

What it does

Drains the iliacus and psoas muscles and the lower back.

Keeping it well

Must be tied before moving the big veins in front-approach lower spine surgery, as tearing it bleeds heavily.

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Prostate cancer
• Varicose veins