The veins of the scrotum play an important role in the circulation of the male genital organs and can be subject to various diseases. The posterior scrotal veins are a group of vessels that are located on the inside of the scrotum and carry blood from the testicles and their appendages to the inferior vena cava.
The veins of the scrotum pass through the anterior abdominal wall from the right and left halves of the scrotum through the deep inguinal ring and under the inguinal ligament between the pubic joint towards the inner surface of the thigh. After leaving the anterior wall of the inguinal canal, the posterior scrotal vein becomes the main vessel of the lower part of the scrotum. It runs to the inner side of the thigh to the pubic symphysis, where it divides into two additional veins running upward parallel to each other. One of them follows the pubic symphysis and continues further to the posterior surface of the pubic bone, while the other vein continues along the lower border of the pubic region to the pelvic wall. It then bends around the left external iliac artery, circumflexing the bladder, and follows down and forward behind the peritoneum, passing in front of the ischial tuberosity and over the ischiofemoral tract. The posterior vein of the scrotum then passes to the inner surface of the thigh and follows into the inguinal canal, which it crosses on the way to the large opening of the femoral artery.
The posterior veins of the scrotum have a high concentration of functioning pain receptors, which is associated with the presence of superficial nerve endings and a short distance to the genital skin. Therefore, these veins are very susceptible to arable and sexual injuries. In addition, the posterior vein of the scrotum plays an important role during varicocele surgery, when part of the vein has to be removed. This is done for aesthetic reasons and to improve blood supply to the testicle. After surgery, patients avoid putting pressure on the scrotal area to reduce the risk of swelling.
Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can also have a negative effect on the posterior vein of the scrotum and provoke inflammation of the soft tissues. It manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the veins, the so-called polyneuritic erythema. In addition, cold and heat can impair blood circulation, causing stasis in the superior vena cava system and reducing the tone of the scrotal vein.