Oncological safety of the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre in neck dissections for node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The Hayes-Martin manoeuvre involves ligation of the posterior facial vein and superior reflection of the investing fascia below the mandible to preserve the marginal mandibular nerve. The peri-facial nodes thus remain undissected. We perform this manoeuvre routinely during modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer. Here, we review the oncological safety and marginal mandibular nerve preservation rates of this manoeuvre from 2004 to 2009.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the head and neck oncology database (2004-2009) at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK, a tertiary referral centre for head and neck oncology.


RESULTS
Thirty-four patients underwent modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The primary tumour included the tonsil in 19 cases, base of tongue in 10 and posterior pharyngeal wall in 5. The neck nodal status was N1 in 4 cases, N(2a) in 11, N(2b) in 10, N(2c) in 4 and N(3) in 5. All patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow up was four years (range, two to five). No peri-facial nodal region recurrences were seen. Four patients had temporary marginal mandibular nerve weakness; beyond two months, no weakness was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
In neck dissections for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the marginal mandibular nerve and accompanying facial nodes can be safely preserved without oncological risk using the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre.
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. friffat@gmail.com
F
F
Riffat
M A
MA
Buchanan
A K
AK
Mahrous
B M
BM
Fish
P
P
Jani
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*