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Case Reports
. 2017 Jan;99(1):36-37.
doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0290. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

Encountering a high jugular bulb during ear surgery

Affiliations
Case Reports

Encountering a high jugular bulb during ear surgery

R Fox et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Encounters with jugular bulb abnormalities during ear surgery are a rare but recognised problem. A high riding jugular bulb is present in 10%-15% of patients and its variable position within the temporal bone can lead to problems as brisk venous haemorrhage can result if the bulb is inadvertently opened. The case of a 52-year-old woman with a central tympanic membrane perforation who underwent elective endaural myringoplasty and experienced brisk bleeding on raising the tympanomeatal flap is presented.

Keywords: Hemostasis; Jugular vein; Myringoplasty.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Elevation of the tympanomeatal flap
Figure 2
Figure 2
Profuse venous haemorrhage from the jugular bulb
Figure 3
Figure 3
Raised tympanomeatal flap with suction applied to brisk bleeding
Video
Video
Intraoperative video showing profuse venous haemorrhage from the jugular bulb after elevating the tympanomeatal flap

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