Comparison of two different approaches for internal jugular vein cannulation in surgical patients.

We compared the anterior approaches of internal jugular venous cannulation in 200 surgical patients, vis-à-vis the ease of cannulation and threading, number of attempts required and the incidence of complications following each route. The technique of posterior approach used in this study was found to have a higher rate of success in cannulation and lower rate of complication such as carotid puncture. The posterior approach was also a safe alternate route in obese or short necked patients.