Left colic vein

The left colic vein is a vein that drains the left colic flexure and descending colon. It empties into the inferior mesenteric vein. It accompanies the left colic artery.

Anatomy

The left colic vein is usually situated superior to the left colic artery, and is usually shorter than the left colic artery.

Origin

The left colic vein is formed by the convergence of multiple tributaries, including an ascending branch and a descending branch.

Variation

The left colic vein is sometimes doubled.