End-to-side anastomosis to the external jugular vein: preservation of external jugular vein blood flow

Abstract

v p the anastomosis of the artery, the vein of the donor flap is anastomosed to the external jugular vein. The anastomosis is he external jugular vein provides a long, free vessel that acilitates microsurgical anastomosis in free tissue transfers f the head and neck. However, it is liable to kink because of ts length, which increases the risk of venous thrombosis.1,2 arly in a conventional neck dissection the vein is identied and ligated near the inferior pole of the parotid gland. hen a microvascular free flap is to be used for recontruction, the entire external jugular vein is dissected and reserved with a suture-ligation at the upper end. Because f the prolonged duration of ischaemia before revascularisaion, clots can form in its lumen and may be found at the time f anastomosis. Even after revascularisation using an end-tond anastomosis, the decreased venous flow may accelerate enous thrombosis.3 We describe an end-to-side anastomois to the external jugular vein that preserves blood flow by voiding ligation and decreases the likelihood of thrombosis.