Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
Internal jugular vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism after head and neck reconstructive surgery
D Kitano1, K Yonezawa2, S Iwae2
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Cancer Center, 13-70, Kitaoji-cho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-8558, Japan; Department of Plastic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
Background:
Free flap failure secondary to internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) is a significant complication after head and neck reconstructive surgery. A consensus has not yet been reached among reconstructive surgeons regarding the treatment of IJVT.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of IJVT in 118 patients who underwent free flap reconstruction at Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan. The occurrence of IJVT-related flap circulation crisis and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was studied. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from each patient.
Results:
From 118 patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery, we included 116 internal jugular veins (IJVs) preserved after neck dissection in the present study. IJVT was confirmed in 25 (21.6%) IJVs from 23 patients. One patient (0.8%) developed venous congestion due to IJVT, which resulted in total flap necrosis. Two patients (1.7%) exhibited PTE associated with IJVT. They were treated with direct oral anticoagulants for 3 months and were discharged without any sequelae.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that IJVT after head and neck reconstructive surgery caused not only flap circulation crisis but also PTE. Reconstructive surgeons should be aware of the potential risks due to serious complications associated with IJVT.
More Related Videos
07:02A Rabbit Venous Interposition Model Mimicking Revascularization Surgery using Vein Grafts to Assess Intimal Hyperplasia under Arterial Blood Pressure
Published on: May 15, 2020
08:45New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Published on: June 27, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management