Neck dissection: cause and effect

Abstract

This study demonstrates changes in neck dissection procedures over time. There is an increasing preference for conservative treatment for epithelial cancers. In addition, there is a large increase in both the diagnosis and surgical treatment of thyroid cancer. This shift may have a great effect on residents' learning curves and on their ability to achieve competency in performing neck dissections.

A critical readability and quality analysis of internet‐based patient information on neck dissections

“…Cervical lymph node metastases is one of the most important factors affecting prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck 1,2 . As a result, neck dissection is a common procedure that plays a critical role in the surgical management of several head and neck cancers 3,4 . Depending on the type of neoplasm, and extent of metastases, neck dissections can range from a “radical neck dissection,” which removes the sternocleidomastoid, internal jugular vein, and accessory nerve, to a “selective neck dissection,” where varying zones of cervical lymph nodes are selectively removed 5,6 .…”

“… 1 , 2 As a result, neck dissection is a common procedure that plays a critical role in the surgical management of several head and neck cancers. 3 , 4 Depending on the type of neoplasm, and extent of metastases, neck dissections can range from a “radical neck dissection,” which removes the sternocleidomastoid, internal jugular vein, and accessory nerve, to a “selective neck dissection,” where varying zones of cervical lymph nodes are selectively removed. 5 , 6 Potential postoperative complications and sequelae following neck dissection include dysfunction of the shoulder, neck, and upper limb, cervical anesthesia, and pain.…”