Quality of life after neck dissection

—Multicenter study—

Abstract

To assess the impact of modifications to radical neck dissection and radiotherapy on the postoperative quality of life, the study group “Study on Standardization of Treatment for Lymph Node Metastasis of Head and Neck Cancer” performed a multicenter cross-sectional study using our self-administered neck dissection questionnaire and arm abduction test. While sparing levels IV and V improved most postoperative symptoms, such as stiffness and constriction of the neck were avoided as long as the sternocleidmastoid muscle (SCM) and the spinal accessory nerve were preserved. Resection of the SCM and spinal accessory nerve resulted in a drop shoulder and neck pain, respectively. Irradiation with a total dose of 50 Gy or more worsened stiffness of neck and shoulder.