title: Prevention of complications in neck dissection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The neck dissection has remained a pivotal aspect of head and neck cancer management for over a century. During this time its role has expanded from a purely therapeutic option into an elective setting, in part promoted by efforts to reduce its morbidity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review will consider the potential complications of neck dissection and on the basis of the available evidence describe both their management and prevention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the neck dissection continues to provide clinicians with a method of addressing cervical disease, its reliability and safety can only be assured if surgeons remain cognisant of the potential complications and aim to minimise such morbidity by appropriate management in the peri-operative period.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK. c.kerawala@boltblue.com
authors.forename: Cyrus J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kerawala
authors.forename: Manolis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heliotos
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia; D006801:Humans; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care