Aberrant posterolateral tributary to IJV

Abstract

Veins in the head and neck are known to show considerable variations. These variations could be troublesome while performing surgeries or invasive procedures. This is a report of an aberrant posterolateral tributary to the internal jugular vein. A total of six cases were noted during our routine neck dissections. Documentation of the same is recommended, as the presence of the posterolateral tributary is of great clinical significance to the head and neck surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, general surgeons, critical care physicians and interventional radiologists in order to avoid an inadvertent injury to the vessel. Extensive literature search has failed to reveal any case series reporting this additional tributary. Discovery of this additional tributary has great practical implication. Through this manuscript we aim to add to the literature and make the clinicians and the surgeons academically well aware of the rare presence of the posterolateral tributary, which one might encounter during their routine procedures and make them more competent to perform these procedures. Keywords: Internal jugular vein, Anteromedial tributaries, Posterolateral tributary.