Cephalic vein transposition for head and neck microsurgical reconstruction: anatomical study in cadavers

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Cephalic vein transposition is an interesting alternative as a donor vein in head and neck cancer reconstruction in patients with a cervical radiotherapy history. This work aims to evaluate the cephalic vein anatomical characteristics in cadavers.

Methods:

Six cephalic veins from three cadavers were dissected. The veins were sectioned in the medial part of the arm and transposed to the neck over the clavicles.

Results:

The veins had an average length of 18.75 ± 1.84 cm and several tributaries with a variation of 7-9. The diameter coincided in both veins of each corpse. The anatomical parameter used to identify them (deltopectoral groove) proved reliable, allowing predictable dissection.

Conclusion:

The cephalic vein has constant characteristics and is easy to locate, being an option relevant to the reconstructive plastic surgeon’s therapeutic arsenal.

Keywords:
Head and neck neoplasms; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Microsurgery; Autologous transplantation; Radiotherapy.