Reliability of residual internal jugular vein as the receipt vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the reliability of residual internal jugular vein as the receipt vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen cases of head and neck reconstruction using the end-to-side anastomosis to the residual internal jugular vein were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>End-to-side anastomosis to the residual internal jugular vein in free flap transfer in head and neck region is safe and reliable.</p>