[Reliability of residual internal jugular vein as the receipt vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the reliability of residual internal jugular vein as the receipt vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region.


METHODS
Sixteen cases of head and neck reconstruction using the end-to-side anastomosis to the residual internal jugular vein were reviewed.


RESULTS
There were 11 radial forearm flaps, 3 fibular flaps, one jejunal flap, and one abdominis myocutaneous flap. The vascular pedicles of all free flaps have enough length to reach the site of residual internal jugular vein for anastomosis without the need of vein grafting. All the free flaps survived completely, without postoperative vessel thrombosis.


CONCLUSIONS
End-to-side anastomosis to the residual internal jugular vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region is safe and reliable.
Mao
Chi
C
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. maochicn2000@yahoo.com.cn
Peng
Xin
X
Zhang
Lei
L
Yu
Guang-yan
GY
Guo
Chuan-bin
CB
Huang
Min-xian
MX
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome