Duplication of Internal Jugular Vein During Neck Dissection: A Rare Anatomical Variation

Abstract

Background: The major tributaries of the internal jugular vein typically originate from the anterior surface of the vein in the neck and almost never have posterior branches, thus facilitating dissection of the posterior triangle of the neck. Uncommonly, this vein may present with posterior branches and duplications. Aims: The study highlighted a case report is to explain the anatomical variation and the presentation of such duplication, related to internal jugular vein. Presentation of Case: In this case report, while doing bilateral neck dissection we incidentally encountered the unilateral duplication of Right internal jugular vein in a case of oral squamous cell carcinoma of lower labial vestibule with lymph node metastasis. Discussion: It is essential for the clinicians performing catheterization and surgeons operating in the neck to understand normal and abnormal venous anatomy structure within the neck. Duplication of the internal jugular vein is a rare anatomical variation which may cross across during surgery on the neck. This abnormality is manifested as two separate internal jugular veins rather than a single one. Conclusion: Such anatomical variations are considered to be more easily noted intraoperatively or unexpectedly, and as there might be a potential for SAN (Spinal Accessory Nerve) and vascular injuries, patients should be evaluated thoroughly before surgery so that the risk of iatrogenic injury could at least theoretically reduced.