Complications of neck dissection: Our initial experience

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Neck dissection is an important surgical procedure to treat head-neck cancers. It also helps to stage the disease as well as denotes further treatment plan. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analytical study is done between August 2017-July 2021 in tertiary care hospital to identify methods and practices to reduce complications of neck dissection. 104 patients who met the selection criteria were reviewed. Any intraoperative as well as post-operative complication was carefully assessed and managed as per protocol. Results: 62.5% were in the age group of 49-59 years. 66.35% were male. Maximum patient (65.38%) presented with oral cavity squamous call carcinoma. 51.92% had N1 neck node while 44.23% had N0 neck node. Internal jugular vein injury, spinal accessory nerve and marginal mandibular nerve injury, post-operative hematoma, seroma formation, chyle leak were found as significant complications in initial days. They were less in number or managed well with experience. Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of head-neck anatomy, meticulous dissection technique, early detection of any complication and its management can decrease the long-term morbidity and improve patient’s quality of life. Keywords: Neck dissection, head-neck cancer, complication, meticulous haemostasis.

Keywords

• neck dissection
• head-neck cancer
• complication
• meticulous haemostasis