Patency of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection.

The objective of this study was to determine the immediate patency rate for internal jugular veins preserved in functional neck dissections. Thirteen patients had contrast-enhanced CT scans 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. Ten veins were patent and had a diameter comparable to that seen on the preoperative scan; one vein was narrowed but patent; two were occluded. Probable factors associated with occlusion include trauma of the vessel and extrinsic compression of the vein by the skin or myocutaneous flaps.