Summary External-Internal jugular vein anastomosis to prevent post-operative facial edema

Abstract

Two cases of bilateral neck dissection underwent external-internal jugular vein anastomosis to preserve the blood flow of the internal jugular vein following a bilateral neck dissection. The anastomosis between internal and external jugular veins was carried out from side to side in the first case and end to side in the second case. Post-operative complications of a massive facial edema and intracranial hypertension were not observed in both cases. External-internal anastomosis is useful for cranial venous drainage. Preservation of the external jugular vein during neck dissection is important in order to reconstruct the internal jugular vein.