CRITICAL EVALUATION OF COMPLICATIONS OF NECK DISSECTION

Dr Ahmad Rizvan; Prof Rajnish Talwar; Prof S B Mahajan; Prof B K Prasad; Dr Nikhilesh E; Dr Gajbhiye D J

Volume : IX, Issue : XI, November - 2019

CRITICAL EVALUATION OF COMPLICATIONS OF NECK DISSECTION

Dr Ahmad Rizvan, Prof Rajnish Talwar, Prof S B Mahajan, Prof B K Prasad, Dr Nikhilesh E, Dr Gajbhiye D J

Abstract :

Background: Radical neck dissection is a reliable method of treating patients with head and neck cancer; it carries substantial morbidity and complications. This surgery has become a routine in many oncological centres but knowledge of possible complications and their management is a must for treating surgeons Methods: In this study 60 patients undergoing neck dissection as elective or therapeutic, comprehensive or selective, as a sole procedure or combined with other surgery, with or without other modalities of treatment were selected and managed and all the complications were critically analysed. Results: A total of 26 complications (43.3%) occurred in this study. There were 7 cases of thoracic duct injury (11.6%), 5 cases of post operative chyle leak (8.3%) and 2 cases of RLN injury (3.3%) and 1 case of injury to main trunk of facial nerve (1.6%), 2 patients had temporary paresis of marginal mandibular nerve (3.3%). Post operatively marginal necrosis of skin flap was present in 8 patients (13.3%) and 1 patient had facial and glottic oedema (1.6%). Conclusion: Despite the best planning, complications can still occur but their impact can be minimised by a vigilant and proactive emphasis in the entire peri–operative period.