Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Cavernous sinus thrombosis: a late complication of head and neck surgery
Sandeep Bhoriwal1, Kunal Dhall2, Mukesh Yadav3
1Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare, fatal complication after head and neck surgery. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for successful outcomes in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare but life-threatening condition.
- While uncommon in head and neck surgery, including radical neck dissection, CST poses significant risks.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for patient survival.
Abstract:
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but fatal condition arising due to various infectious and noninfectious causes. Although its incidence is very low in the setting of head and neck surgery, including radical neck dissection, a high index of suspicion with prompt treatment is the key to a successful outcome. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman with a chondrosarcoma of left lower alveolobuccal complex who underwent en bloc tumour resection with infratemporal fossa clearance and left modified radical neck dissection. Subsequently, she developed cavernous sinus thrombosis, which was successfully managed with a multidisciplinary approach. This case highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion in the postoperative setting to diagnose this potentially lethal complication.
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
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

