internal jugular vein
Major cervical vein; sacrifice during radical neck dissection affects venous drainage and may cause complications.
Full Definition
The internal jugular vein is the principal venous drainage vessel of the head and neck, running within the carotid sheath alongside the carotid artery and vagus nerve. In head and neck oncology, this vessel may require sacrifice during radical neck dissection when tumor involves or threatens the vessel wall. Unilateral sacrifice is generally well tolerated due to collateral circulation, but bilateral loss can cause significant cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. The vessel serves as an important anatomical landmark during neck dissection procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as IJV in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "The internal jugular vein was resected en bloc with the tumor during radical neck dissection." — Operative note
- "Post-operative facial edema was noted following internal jugular vein sacrifice." — Post-operative assessment