| Left colic vein | |
| Latin: | vena colica sinistra |
| Drainsfrom: | Descending colon |
| Drainsto: | Inferior mesenteric vein |
| Artery: | Left colic artery |
The left colic vein is a vein that drains the left colic flexure and descending colon.[1] It empties into the inferior mesenteric vein. It accompanies the left colic artery.[2]
The left colic vein is usually situated superior to the left colic artery, and is usually shorter than the left colic artery (due to the different positions of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein).
The left colic vein is formed by the convergence of multiple tributaries, including an ascending branch and a descending branch.
The left colic vein is sometimes doubled.