[INFLUENCE OF NECK DISSECTION ON THE CORRESPONDING MOTOR AND SENSORY NERVES].
OBJECTIVE
Radical neck dissection (RND), utilized for treatment of lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancers, can result in clinically significant functional disturbance secondary to the corresponding nerve damage. However, there is only limited data relative to post-operative analysis of impact of RND on the cranial and cervical nerves after neck dissection especially regarding the technique used such as electroknife or scalpel.


METHODS
48 patients (42 men and 6 women) with intraoral cancer were enrolled. A total of 55 dissections were performed, including 7 patients who received bilateral dissections. Analysis of motor and sensory nerves was conducted seven days and three months later with regard whether electroknife or scalpel was used.


RESULTS
The most frequent post-operative loss of motor function was seen in accessory and hypoglossal nerves; within sensory nerves the lingual nerve was most frequently dysfunctional. Permanent diaphragm dysfunction was seen in 15% of investigated patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We might conclude that routine evaluation of sensoneural and motor nerve function of all potentially damaged nerves should be performed after RND, especially regarding diaphragm paralysis. There were no differences in postoperative nerve function of the examined nerves with regard to the technique used (electroknife/scalpel).
Aleksandar
A
Milenović
Predrag
P
Knežević
Vanja Vučićević
VV
Boras
Dragana
D
Gabrić
Ana Andabak
AA
Rogulj
Mišo
M
Virag
D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*