Abstract
A functional dissection is described as a new techique that preserves the spinal accesory nerve, cervical plexus and sternocleidomastoid muscle . This technique, introduced by author's experience based on a large series of radical neck dissection, allows dissection of lymphnodes in the neck as effectively as standard radical neck dissection dose in the area of upper jugular chain where metastatic nodal disease is presumed to occur most frequently . Further more, this surgical approach minimizes the morbility associated with standard radical neck dissection. At surgery, the spinal accessory nerve is identified and preserved as it ransverses the sternocleidomuscle. The cervical nerves are carefully preserved as the dissection is carried out over the deep cervical fascia, taking care not to disturd the fascia. The underneath of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is separated from the deeper tissue, while dissection of the muscle from the overlying dermal and platysmal layer is kept as minimum as possible
