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.