title: Patency of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the immediate patency rate for internal jugular veins preserved in functional neck dissections. Thirteen patients had contrast-enhanced CT scans 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. Ten veins were patent and had a diameter comparable to that seen on the preoperative scan; one vein was narrowed but patent; two were occluded. Probable factors associated with occlusion include trauma of the vessel and extrinsic compression of the vein by the skin or myocutaneous flaps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205.
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Mattox
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Zinreich
mesh_terms: D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008722:Methods; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014654:Vascular Patency