Management of bilateral internal jugular venous injuries.

We report the case of a 16-year-old boy admitted to hospital because of multiple stab wounds. Exploration under general anaesthesia revealed bilateral simultaneous injuries of the internal jugular vein. The management of these injuries is discussed. Optimal treatment requires preservation of at least one internal jugular vein. Both veins may be ligated but this can result in facial oedema and permanent cosmetic defects, and even in death due to cerebral oedema.