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Neck Dissection

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Neck Dissection

Definition

Neck dissection is surgery to remove the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck. There are three types:

  • Radical neck dissection—removes neck tissue, lymph nodes, muscle between the collarbone and jawbone, the internal jugular vein, and muscles and nerves that control speech, swallowing, and movement in the face, neck, and shoulder
  • Modified radical neck dissection—removes lymph nodes, but preserves some nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
  • Selective neck dissection—removes less lymph nodes and tissue, and preserves nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
Lymph Nodes.

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Reasons for Procedure

This surgery may be done to remove neck and throat cancers or to prevent some cancers of the head from spreading after the cancer has been removed. It may also be done to remove a lymph node for biopsy.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to nearby organs or structures

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the wound
  • Numbness or tingling of your fingers or around your mouth
  • Problems breathing
  • New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the neck

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the neck

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of Procedure

A cut will be made on the side of the neck. The selected tissue will be identified and separated from tissue that will stay. Lymph nodes and selected tissue will then be removed. A person having a radical neck dissection will also have the jugular vein, muscles, and nerves removed.

Drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup in the area. The cut is closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.

How Long Will It Take?

2 to 3 hours

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first week. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 2 to 3 days, but it depends on the reason for surgery. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medicine
  • Remove any drains that were put in place during surgery

During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your wounds covered

You can also lower your chance of infection by:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your wounds

At Home

Activities will be limited during recovery. It will take a few weeks to heal. Some numbness and weakness may take many months to go away. You will need to delay your return to work.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Management of head and neck cancer—based on cancer site. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-head-and-neck-cancer-based-on-cancer-site.
  • Minimally invasive ENT surgery. MedStar Health website. Available at: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/minimally-invasive-ent-surgery#q={}.
  • Neck dissection. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/cancer/we-treat/head-and-neck/conditions.html.

Contributors

  • James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.