Accessory nerve function after level 2b-preserving selective neck dissection.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between accessory nerve functions and level 2b-preserving selective neck dissection.


METHODS
Forty-one necks of 30 patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent unilateral or bilateral level 2b-preserving neck dissections, between February 2003 and July 2005, were evaluated. Neck and shoulder movements and muscle strengths were examined and electroneuromyography (ENMG) was performed preoperatively at the postoperative 21st day and 6th month. Pathological anatomical findings at the postoperative 6th month were also evaluated.


RESULTS
All shoulder movements and muscle strengths were preserved. Neck extension, rotation movements, and flexion strengths were restricted. ENMG values were affected moderately in the early postoperative period and improved slightly in the late postoperative period. None of the patients developed shoulder syndrome or adhesive capsulitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Preserving level 2b during selective neck dissection decreases trauma to the accessory nerve and improves functional results.
Celik
Bilge
B
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Uludag School of Medicine, Bursa/Turkey.
Coskun
Hakan
H
Kumas
Ferda F
FF
Irdesel
Jale
J
Zarifoglu
Mehmet
M
Erisen
Levent
L
Onart
Selcuk
S
D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019416:Head Movements; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D009334:Neck Muscles; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012782:Shoulder; D016896:Treatment Outcome