Modified surgical techniques
In this series, the techniques suggested by Dolivet et
al5 and Deganello et al1 were used
in all patients. Dolivet et al3 tried to preserve
venous drainage towards digastric triangle network and mylohyoid muscle.
Deganello et al1 left fascial connections between the
superficial and median cervical fascia intact because of microvascular
venous return. In addition to these techniques, we also preserve a minor
venous tributary to internal jugular vein, below the superior thyroid
vein, and the communicating vein to external jugular vein when possible.
While performing the incision for the lateral border of the skin flap,
we dissect through the platysma meticulously preserving the
communicating vein to external jugular vein that is immediately below
this muscle. The IHMCF is usually raised from the bottom-up. During the
dissection along the internal jugular vein a minor venous tributary at
the level of upper thyroid pole is also identified and preserved.