Preservation of the swallowing function of the larynx after neck dissection

Abstract

The influence of a neck dissection on the swallowing function was examined in 16 cases. The neck dissection did not affect laryngeal elevation. However, the operation injured the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve, thus resulting in pharyngeal palsy. Therefore, the clearance of the pharynx deteriorated. Based on these findings, the preservation of the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve is thus considered to be important whenever possible.