Abstract： Objective To observe and sort out the features and variations of the sylvian fissure veins,and apply appropriate surgical techniques and strategies to the operation. Method The features and variations of sylvian fissure veins were observed in 64 patients as the anterior temporal lobeoctomy were conducted for treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. The variations of the sylvian vein were dentified and grouged into 6 types. Proper surgical strategy and technique were applied for each variation during the operation. Results Six types of variations of the sylvian vein were observed, named as " parataxis", "convergency" ,"cross - link" ,"straddle - over" , "circuitous" and "deep-hided" respectively. Sylvian veins were properly protected and no significant complications occurred. Conclusions Careful observation of the features and variations of sylvian fissure veins during the anterior temporal lobectomy is helpful to preserve the sylvian fissure veins and improve the surgical results.