Anatomical variations in the superficial veins of head and neck and their clinical significance

Abstract

A very sound knowledge of variations of head and neck veins is important for General practitioners, plastic surgeons, interventional radiologists, internists and maxillofacial surgeons. Anatomic variations have a definite embryological basis and manifest their clinical impact. The Present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy Government Medical College Srinagar to observe the variations in the pattern of superficial veins of head and neck. The aim of this study was to make clinicians academically wiser and more competent while dealing with these veins during surgery and other interventional procedures. Bilateral neck dissection of a formalin preserved   middle aged male cadaver was done for routine Cadaveric anatomy teaching and simultaneously observations regarding the pattern of superficial veins of face and neck were recorded. It was observed that anomalous superficial veins were present in one cadaver on left side. The anomalous pattern of superficial veins of neck though rare is of great academic and clinical significance in plastic surgery, Otorhinology, Maxillofacial Surgery, Critical care medicine, interventional radiology and General Medicine. These variations should be kept in mind during surgery and other interventional procedures in this region.