Flow Evaluation of the Internal Jugular Vein after Neck Dissection

Flow Evaluation of the Internal Jugular Vein after Neck Dissection

Objective: To evaluate thrombosis, flow rate and changes in the caliber of the internal jugular vein after neck dissection.

Methods: Sixteen patients who underwent twenty-two internal jugular vein sparing neck dissections December 2008 to September 2009 were evaluated. Pre- and postoperatively, the patency of internal jugular veins was determined by duplex Doppler ultrasound examination. The patients were scanned in the supine position, and the patency and caliber of the internal jugular veins were assessed. These examinations were performed preoperatively and at the 1st and 3rd postoperative months.

Results: There were significant differences in the caliber and flow rate of the internal jugular veins as detected in preoperative and 7-day postoperative evaluations (p<0.05). No significant differences in the caliber and flow rate of the internal jugular veins were observed in the preoperative and 1-month postoperative evaluations (p>0.05). The caliber and flow rate of the internal jugular veins were determined to be within the normal range at the 3-month postoperative evaluation. Thrombus was not found in any patient postoperatively.

Conclusion: Decreased flow rate improved gradually in neck dissections that preserved the internal jugular vein. The protection of the internal jugular vein will minimize morbidity.