Sensory outcome of neck dissection preserving the cervical nerves

Abstract

Preservation of the cervical nerves in neck dissection is an emerging option in minimally invasive treatment for head and neck cancer. Although there have been several reports on its functional merits, little is known about sensory outcomes in the immediate postoperative period. Among the neck dissections we performed during the period from January 2012 to March 2013, all cervical nerves (C2-4) were preserved in 47 sides (Preserved group, PG), while all were resected in 20 sides (Resected group, RG). Within one week after the operation, tactile sensation was checked in three cervical regions including earlobe, submandibular area, and lateral neck. The results showed that the sensory outcome was significantly better in the PG than in the RG in all three regions, confirming the effectiveness of preserving the cervical nerves in the immediate postoperative period.