Anastomotic vessels in the retropubic region: corona mortis.

Anastomosis between the pubic rami of the inferior epigastric and the obturator arteries has been referred to as the corona mortis. Because anomalous vessels in the retropubic region are at risk in groin or pelvic surgeries, they have an importance not only for general surgery but also for orthopaedics. Because it is hard to distinguish these vessels, they can be injured during ilioinguinal incision, which can lead to massive uncontrolled bleeding. For this purpose, 54 cadaver halves were dissected to determine the occurrence and location of the corona mortis anastomosis. We found venous corona mortis in 11 halves (20.37%). Additionally, in 8 halves (14.81%), the obturator artery originated from the inferior epigastric artery.