Removal of a metal fragment and floating thrombus from the internal jugular vein of a serviceman in a field hospital

introduction. Fragment wounds of the neck with neurovascular bundle injury sustained during combat operations represent a relevant problem in the field of extreme medicine. High mortality rates, along with a lack of sufficient research, contribute to uncertainty in determining optimal treatment tactics.

Case report. A successful surgical treatment of a serviceman with a fragment wound to the neck caused by a foreign metallic body (shell fragment) involving the internal jugular vein and a floating thrombus was performed in a field hospital. An open surgery was conducted to remove the foreign metallic body and the floating thrombus from the internal jugular vein, followed by repair of the venous wall with a 7/0 polypropylene suture. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusions. The presented case demonstrates previously unpublished data on a variant of fragment injury to the internal jugular vein. The proposed surgical technique has proven to be effective and safe.

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