颈分区性清扫术治疗头颈部鳞状细胞癌的远期疗效

目的　研究颈分区性清扫术在头颈部鳞状细胞癌 (简称鳞癌 )治疗中的效果。方法　回顾性分析 1997年 1月～ 2 0 0 1年 12月在中国医学科学院肿瘤医院接受分区性清扫术的头颈部鳞癌患者 12 3例 ,其中喉癌 77例、口腔癌 2 9例、口咽癌 2例、下咽癌 15例。分区性清扫术后发现淋巴结病理阴性 (pN0 ) 99例 ,淋巴结病理阳性 (pN + ) 2 4例。随访时间中位数为 2 5个月。结果　 10 1例cN0患者行分区性清扫术后发现pN + 14例 ( 13 9% ) ;2 2例cN +患者行分区性清扫术后发现pN + 10例( 4 5 5 % )。 15 7侧分区性清扫标本中共发现 5 2枚阳性淋巴结 ,其在颈部的分布如下 :Ⅰ区 2 5 % ,Ⅱ区4 8% ,Ⅲ区 2 5 % ,Ⅳ区 2 %。根据Kaplan Meier方法计算 5年颈部复发率 ,pN0患者为 5 87% ( 95 %可信区间 0 8% ,10 9% ) ,pN +患者为 9 2 % ( 95 %可信区间 0 0 % ,2 1 5 % )。结论　颈分区性清扫术从微创观念出发 ,只要选择恰当 ,对于头颈部鳞癌患者可以取得与传统颈清扫术相当的效果。更重要的是保留了患者的功能和外观 ,提高了生活质量     

淋巴转移阳性舌体鳞癌的颈部治疗策略探讨

目的 分析影响淋巴转移阳性(pathologically node positive,pN+)舌体鳞癌患者颈部复发的相关因素和淋巴转移规律,探讨pN+舌体鳞癌的颈部治疗策略.方法 回顾性分析1991年1月至2006年12月期间138例pN+舌体鳞癌患者的临床和随访资料,分析pN+舌体鳞癌颈部转移淋巴结和复发淋巴结的分布规律和pN+舌体鳞癌临床病理因素和治疗方法对颈部复发的影响.结果 全部病例随访2年以上或至患者死亡.Kaplan-Meier法计算3年生存率为46.4%,5年生存率为36.2%.138例共203个分区发生转移,其中同侧Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ区累及频率达94.6%,47例共66个分区出现颈部淋巴结复发,其中同侧Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ区复发频率达77.3%.颈部复发率与pT分期、pN分期、pTNM分期、淋巴结包膜外侵犯有关(P值均＜0.05);当淋巴结有包膜外侵犯时,术后放疗组的颈部复发率低于未放疗组,但差异无统计学意义(P=0.076);不同颈清扫方式间的颈部复发率差异无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05).Cox多因素生存分析显示,pTNM分期和淋巴结包膜外侵犯是影响pN+舌体鳞癌预后的独立危险因素.结论 pT分期、pN分期、pTNM分期、淋巴结包膜外侵犯是影响pN+舌体鳞癌颈部复发的因素;当淋巴结有包膜外侵犯时,术后放疗有可能降低颈部复发率;改良性颈清扫的颈部复发率与经典性颈清扫没有差异,对非淋巴结构无肿瘤侵犯的pN+舌体鳞癌尽量行改良性颈清扫;pN+舌体鳞癌转移和复发淋巴结主要分布在同侧Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ区,择区性颈清扫可应用于pN+舌体鳞癌.     

择区性颈清扫术治疗63例下咽鳞状细胞癌的颈淋巴转移

目的 分析下咽鳞状细胞癌(简称鳞癌)患者颈部淋巴转移规律,评价择区性颈清扫术(selective neck dissection,SND)在下咽癌颈淋巴转移治疗中的效果.方法 回顾性分析1990年1月至2004年12月在北京大学第一医院接受颈清扫术的下咽鳞癌患者63例,其中cN0患者17例,cN+46例.单侧SND共计15例;双侧SND共计22例;改良性颈清扫术(modified radical neck dissections,MRND)共计16例;一侧行经典性颈清扫术(radical neck dissections,RND)或MRND,另一侧行SND共计10例.随访48例(76.2%),随访时间范围为24～143个月,随访中位时间为41个月.结果 颈清扫术后发现淋巴结病理阴性(pN0)22例,淋巴结病理阳性(pN+)41例.95侧清扫标本中共发现106枚阳性淋巴结,其在颈部的分布如下:Ⅰ区0%,Ⅱ区47.2%(50/106),Ⅲ区33.0%(35/106),Ⅳ区11.3%(12/106),Ⅴ区2.8%(3/106),Ⅵ区5.7%(6/106).值得注意的是,无论是cNO还是cN+下咽癌患者,对侧颈部都可出现淋巴转移和复发.在随访的48例中,共有18例(21例次)复发.颈清扫术后淋巴结复发主要分布在Ⅱ区和Ⅲ区(19例次).根据Kaplan-Meier方法计算3年生存率,pN0患者为58.1%,pN1患者为44.9%,pN2患者为41.1%.Cox同归分析:N分级是影响预后最重要的因素,pN1的危险比为1.7,pN2的危险比为2.2.结论 淋巴转移是下咽鳞癌最重要的预后因素.恰当的选择双侧SND,可以取得较满意效果,同时减少患者形态和功能的损伤.     

头颈部鳞癌颈淋巴结隐匿性转移

目的探讨头颈部鳞癌隐匿性颈淋巴结转移的特点和规律。方法对111例头颈部鳞癌N0M0患者的颈淋巴结清扫标本进行切片观察。结果隐匿性转移总体发生率为26．12％(29／111)。其中口腔癌18．75％(15／80)，口咽癌25．00％(1／4)，下咽癌54．54％(6／11)，喉癌43．75％(7／16)。原发癌临床分期、肿瘤细胞分化程度是影响颈淋巴结隐匿性转移的重要因素。111例N0M0患者5年生存率为66．7％，其中pN^-为74．39％(61／82)，pN^ 为44．82％(13／29)。结论对临床T3和T4期、癌组织分化程度低和深度浸润的cN0头颈部鳞癌应行选择性颈清扫术以治疗颈淋巴结隐匿性转移并提高患者的生存率。     

颈清扫术治疗晚期颈转移癌的远期效果及复发相关因素分析

目的 探讨颈清扫术治疗晚期颈转移癌的远期效果及术后颈部复发的相关影响因素。方法 对112例接受全颈清扫手术的头颈部鳞状细胞癌N2、N3患者，利用手术标本病理检查及随访资料进行回顾性分析。结果 晚期颈转移癌全颈清扫术后5年颈部复发率为27．7％(31／112)，其中N2、N3患者的术后5年颈部复发率分别为16．5％(13／79)、54．5％(18／33)。31例全颈清扫术颈部复发患者，Kaplan-Meier法统计术后3年生存率、5年生存率分别为16．1％(5／31)、9．7％(3／31)。单因素χ^2分析显示，临床N分期、病理颈淋巴结大小、转移淋巴结包膜外扩散、颈部非淋巴组织结构受侵情况与术后颈部复发有关。多因素Logistic回归分析结果表明，仅病理检查颈淋巴结大小与术后颈部复发明显相关。结论 颈部复发是晚期颈转移癌患者最常见的术后肿瘤复发原因。转移颈淋巴结大小是全颈清扫术后颈部复发根本和决定性影响因素。而临床N分期、转移淋巴结包膜外扩散、颈部非淋巴组织结构受侵情况对全颈清扫术后颈部复发具有重要影响。     

择区性颈清扫术在临床N0舌鳞状细胞癌治疗中的应用

目的比较择区性颈清扫术(selective neck dissection，SND)与经典性或改良性颈清扫术(radical neck dissection，RND)在治疗舌鳞状细胞癌颈淋巴结临床阴性(cN0)患者中的效果。方法将1998年1月-2002年12月之间采用肩胛舌骨肌上颈清扫术(Ⅰ～Ⅲ区)14例及Ⅰ～Ⅳ区清扫19例(SND组)共33例与1980年1月-1997年12月之间112例采用经典性或改良性颈清扫术(RND组)的病例，根据T分期、综合治疗方式和淋巴结病理情况进行随机配对分析。Kaplan—Meier方法计算复发率和颈部淋巴结复发或生存趋势。结果RND组5年颈部复发率为9．1％(3例)，SND组5年同侧颈部复发率12．1％(4例)；两组的5年生存率分别是78．8％和82．9％(分别为26例和28例)。Ⅰ-Ⅲ区清扫组5年颈部复发率为21．2％(3例)，清扫野外复发率为14．3％(2例)；Ⅰ-Ⅳ区清扫组5年同侧颈部复发率5．3％(1例)，清扫野外复发率为0。结论与经典性或改良性颈清扫术相比，择区性颈清扫术并不影响cN0舌癌患者的肿瘤治疗效果，术式以Ⅰ～Ⅳ区清扫为适宜。     

颈分区性淋巴结清扫术对头颈鳞癌颈淋巴结阳性患者的治疗意义

颈分区性淋巴结清扫术(selective neck dissection,SND)治疗颈淋巴结阴性头颈鳞癌患者已被认为是有效的治疗方法.SND用于治疗颈淋巴结阳性头颈鳞癌患者仍有争议,本文就该问题对文献资料进行综述,认为①SND不仅是颈淋巴结阴性头颈部鳞癌患者有效的治疗方法,也可有效治疗cNO、但pN+、无淋巴结包膜外侵犯者的患者;②SND对cN1患者治疗也有较好的疗效;③cNO、cN1患者,术后病理检查为pN2或转移淋巴结有包膜外侵犯者应追加术后放疗.     

舌活动部鳞癌颈淋巴结阴性(cN0)的处理

目的 :通过分析舌活动部鳞癌病人临床检查颈淋巴结阴性 (c N0 )的隐匿性淋巴结转移在颈部各区的分布 ,显示舌活动部鳞癌的淋巴结转移规律 ,并指导舌活动部鳞癌 c N0 的分区性颈淋巴清扫的范围。方法 :回顾分析 33例 c N0 的舌活动部鳞癌行选择性全颈淋巴结清扫和挽救性颈淋巴结清扫术的病例 ,分析手术后病理阳性淋巴结 (p N+ )在颈部各区的分布。结果 :病理证实单个淋巴结转移 14例 ,其中 区淋巴结转移 3例 , 区淋巴结转移 7例 , 区淋巴结转移 4例 , 区和 区未见淋巴结转移。多个淋巴结转移 19例 ,各区转移频率分别为 : 区 2 7.4 5 % ; 区 39.2 2 % ; 区31.37% ; 区 0 % ; 区 1.96 %。结论 :舌活动部鳞癌 c N0 的颈部处理没有必要采用经典性全颈清扫术 ,建议行肩胛舌骨肌上的分区性清扫 ,即 区清扫 + 区清扫 + 区清扫即可 ,避免全颈清术给患者造成的术后损害。     

颈侧清扫术与颈根治性清扫术治疗声门上型喉癌的疗效对比

目的 对比颈侧清扫术(1ateral neck dissection，LND)与根治性或改良根治性颈清扫术(radical neck dissection，RND)在治疗喉癌声门上型颈淋巴结病理阴性(pN0)患者中的效果。方法 回顾性分析中国医学科学院中国协和医科大学肿瘤医院头颈外科治疗的喉鳞状细胞癌声门上型pN0患者。对照的两组患者分别是39例1980年3月～1996年12月之间采用根治性或改良根治性颈清扫术治疗的患者(RND组)；45例1997年1月～2001年12月之间采用颈侧清扫术患者(LND组)。结果 LND组5年颈部淋巴结转移率为2．3％，RND组5年颈部淋巴结转移率0，无统计学意义(P=0．347)；两组的5年生存率分别是97％和94％，无统计学意义(P=0．613)。但是，LND组与颈清扫术有关的并发症显著的低于RND组(6．7％和38．5％)。此外，LND组较：RND组缩短了11d平均外科住院时间(28d和39d)。结论 与根治性或改良性颈清扫术相比，采用颈侧清扫术并不影响pN0喉癌声门上型患者的肿瘤治疗效果，但却减少了损伤，降低了并发症，缩短了住院时间。     

舌活动部鳞癌颈淋巴结阴性（cN0）的处理

目的：通过分析舌活动部鳞癌病人临床检查颈淋巴结阴性（cN0)的隐匿性淋巴结转移在颈部各区的分布，显示舌活动部鳞癌的淋巴结转移规律，并指导舌活动部鳞癌cN0的分区性颈淋巴清扫的范围。方法：回顾分析33例cN0的舌活动部鳞癌行选择性全颈淋巴结清扫和挽救性颈淋巴结清扫术的病例，分析手术后病理阳性淋巴结（pN^ )在颈部各区的分布。结果：病理证实单个淋巴结转移14例，其中Ⅰ区淋巴结转移3例，Ⅱ区淋巴结转移7例，Ⅲ区淋巴结转移4例，Ⅳ区和Ⅴ区未见淋巴结转移，多个淋巴结转移19例，各区转移频率分别为：Ⅰ区27.45%,Ⅱ区39.22%，Ⅲ区31.37%,Ⅳ区0%，Ⅴ区1.96%。结论：舌活动部鳞癌cN0的颈部处理没有必要采用经典性全颈清扫术，建议行肩胛舌骨肌上的分区性清扫，即Ⅰ区清扫 Ⅱ区清扫 Ⅲ区清扫即可，避免全颈清术给患者造成的术后损害。     

Recurrence rates after selective neck dissection in the N0 irradiated neck

OBJECTIVES: To define patterns of subclinical metastases in irradiated N0 necks with recurrent or persistent primary site disease and to determine the regional control rate when selective neck dissection (SND) is used in this setting. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Individuals included were previously treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with primary radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy. All had recurrent or persistent disease at the primary site, with no clinical or radiographic evidence of nodal disease. The patients underwent surgical treatment of the primary site along with site-specific SND and were required to undergo at least 1 year of follow-up. Subsequent recurrence at the primary site disqualified the patient from further evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Regional tumor control. RESULTS: Forty-three patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent 59 SNDs (levels dissected: I-IV [n = 22], II-IV [n = 34], and I-III [n = 3]). Sixteen specimens were positive for nodal disease. The charts of 26 patients, who underwent a total of 35 SNDs, were available for review after 1 year (none of the patients involved died of disease in the neck). There were no neck recurrences (mean follow-up, 25 months; median, 21 months). All patients with more than 2 occult nodal metastases experienced primary site recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: In this small cohort, SND in previously irradiated patients with recurrent primary disease but clinically negative necks has resulted in excellent tumor control in the neck. The usual patterns of nodal spread do not appear to be significantly altered with primary site recurrence after radiation therapy. The presence of more than 2 positive nodes in the neck specimen correlates with poor prognosis.     

Selective neck dissection (IIA, III): a rational replacement for complete functional neck dissection in patients with N0 supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal elective treatment of the neck for patients with supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. During the past century, various types of necks dissection have been employed including conventional and modified radical neck dissection (MRND), selective neck dissection (SND) and various modifications of SND. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of studies were reviewed to compare the results of MRND and SND in regional recurrence and survival of patients with supraglottic and glottic cancers, as well as the distribution of lymph node metastases in these tumors. RESULTS: Data from seven prospective, multi-institutional, pathologic, and molecular analyses of neck dissection specimens, obtained from 272 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma and clinically negative necks, revealed only four patients (1.4%) with positive lymph nodes at sublevel IIB. Data was also collected from three prospective, multi-institutional, pathologic and molecular studies of neck dissection specimens which include 175 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma (only 2 with subglottic cancer) and clinically negative necks. Only six patients (3.4%) had positive nodes at level IV. CONCLUSIONS: SND of sublevel IIA and level III appears to be adequate for elective surgical treatment of the neck in supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. Dissection of level IV lymph nodes may not be justified for elective neck dissection of stage N0 supraglottic and glottic squamous carcinoma. Bilateral neck dissection in cases of supraglottic cancer may be necessary only in patients with centrally or bilaterally located tumors.     

颈分区性清扫术后患者的功能评估

目的 比较颈分区性清扫术(selective neck dissection，SND)、颈改良性清扫术(modified neck dissection，MND)及颈根治性清扫术(radical neck dissection，RND)后患者有关的功能改变。方法 1997年1月～2001年5月期间，采用SND、MND或RND治疗的头颈鳞状细胞癌患者，发出问卷调查表157份。调查内容共7项，涉及颈清扫侧肩周功能状况，颈部皮肤感觉改变及外观改变。收到有效调查表32份。共32例患者，施行43侧颈清扫术，其中分区性颈清扫术23侧，改良性颈清扫术11侧，根治性颈清扫术9侧。结果 根据颈清扫侧统计，SND组的肩周功能失调率最低，为3／23(13．0％)、依次为MND组4／11(36．6％)和RND组6／9(66．7％)。同样，3组颈部皮肤感觉减退率分别为4／23(17．4％)，4／11(36．6％)和8／9(88．9％)。SND组只有4／23(17．4％)的颈部外观改变，而MND和RND组有外观改变的高达10／11(90．9％)和9／9(100％)。结论 颈分区性清扫术对患者的功能和外观损伤最小，提高了患者的生活质量。     

颈分区性清扫术后患者的功能评估

目的　比较颈分区性清扫术 (selectiveneckdissection ,SND)、颈改良性清扫术 (modifiedneckdissection ,MND)及颈根治性清扫术 (radicalneckdissection ,RND)后患者有关的功能改变。方法1997年 1月～ 2 0 0 1年 5月期间 ,采用SND、MND或RND治疗的头颈鳞状细胞癌患者 ,发出问卷调查表15 7份。调查内容共 7项 ,涉及颈清扫侧肩周功能状况 ,颈部皮肤感觉改变及外观改变。收到有效调查表 32份。共 32例患者 ,施行 4 3侧颈清扫术 ,其中分区性颈清扫术 2 3侧 ,改良性颈清扫术 11侧 ,根治性颈清扫术 9侧。结果　根据颈清扫侧统计 ,SND组的肩周功能失调率最低 ,为 3/2 3(13 0 % )、依次为MND组 4 /11(36 6 % )和RND组 6 /9(6 6 7% )。同样 ,3组颈部皮肤感觉减退率分别为 4 /2 3(17 4 % ) ,4 /11(36 6 % )和 8/9(88 9% )。SND组只有 4 /2 3(17 4 % )的颈部外观改变 ,而MND和RND组有外观改变的高达 10 /11(90 9% )和 9/9(10 0 % )。结论　颈分区性清扫术对患者的功能和外观损伤最小 ,提高了患者的生活质量。     

Results of selective neck dissection in the primary management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Selective neck dissection (SND) is known to be a valid procedure to stage the clinically N0 neck but its reliability to control metastatic neck disease remains controversial. This study analysed if selective neck dissection is a reliable procedure to prevent regional metastatic disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We retrospectively analysed the medical records of 163 previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx treated initially in our departement from January 1990 to December 2002. All patients had unilateral or bilateral SND, in combination with surgical resection of the primary tumour. SND was performed in 281 necks. Finally, 146 patients who underwent 249 SND (39 I–III, I–IV, 210 II–IV, II–V) had adequate follow-up and were assessed for the regional control. The median follow-up was 37 months (1–180 months). The end points of the study were neck control following SND and overall survival. Twenty-five percent (30/119) of patients staged cN0 had lymph node (LN) metastasis. Overall, regional recurrence was observed in 2.8% of the necks (7/249): 1.6% (4/249) in dissected field and 1.2% (3/249) in undissected field. Seventy-eight percent (194/249) of the necks were staged pN0 with a subsequent failure rate of 1.5% (3/194); 16% (39/249) were staged pN1 and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) was proposed in 21 of these patients. The failure rate with PORT was 9.5% and 5.5% without PORT. Six percent (16/249) of the necks were staged pN2b and all had PORT with one subsequent recurrence. Extracapsular spread (ECS) was reported in 16.5% of positive SND specimens (9/55); all by one were treated by PORT with a subsequent failure rate of 22% (2/9). At 3 years, overall survival for the whole population was 70% and statistically highly correlated with pN stage (p<0.001). These results support the reliability of SND to stage the clinically N0 neck. SND is a definitive operation not only in pN0 but also in most pN1 and pN2b necks. PORT is not justified in pN1 neck without ECS. In pN2b necks, the low rate of recurrence supports adjuvant PORT. The presence of ECS, despite adjuvant PORT, remains associated with a higher risk of recurrence.     

择区性颈清扫术治疗下咽鳞状细胞癌颈部淋巴结转移的术式探讨

目的:探讨择区性颈清扫术(SND)治疗下咽鳞状细胞癌颈部淋巴结转移的手术范围。方法:回顾性分析接受SND的26例下咽癌患者,其中11例cN0患者,15例cN+患者。本组共有51侧的SND,其中34侧为选择性SND,17侧为治疗性SND。结果:发现隐匿性颈淋巴结转移6例(55%),颈淋巴结转移均限制在Ⅱ区和Ⅲ区内。cN+患者均证实有颈淋巴结转移,其中Ⅱ区转移占66.7%,Ⅲ区转移占86.7%,Ⅳ区转移占46.7%,Ⅴ区转移占20.0%,另外Ⅰ区仅1例发现转移(6.7%)。随访发现区域复发4例,均为cN+患者,且均未见Ⅰ区复发。结论:cN0下咽癌患者SND(Ⅱ～Ⅲ)清扫有一定的临床意义,尚需进一步验证;cN+患者Ⅰ区清扫尚无必要,SND(Ⅱ～Ⅴ)配合术后放疗能取得满意的疗效。     

颈淋巴结转移临床处理概念上的变化─—分区性颈清扫术

分区性颈清扫术（selectiveneckdissection,SND）是根据头颈部特定部位肿瘤颈淋巴结转移规律而设定的非全颈性清扫,手术范围缩小而不影响根治性。有利于保留患者外观和术后功能。SND目前主要应用于临床颈淋巴结阴性（cN0）和部分阳性（cN1）的上呼吸消化道鳞癌患者,有多个淋巴结转移或术后病理提示淋巴结有包膜外侵犯的患者应配合应用放疗。不同术式的分区性颈清扫适应于不同原发灶的转移。治疗结果显示SND治疗后的效果及手术区域颈部淋巴结复发率与改良根治性颈清扫相似。     

The role of cervical lymphadenectomy after aggressive concomitant chemoradiotherapy: the feasibility of selective neck dissection

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the necessity, technical feasibility, and complication rate of neck dissection performed on patients with head and neck cancer after 5 cycles of concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and to justify a selective neck dissection (SND) approach and define the optimal timing of post-CRT neck dissection. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis in an academic university medical center. PATIENTS: Sixty-nine eligible patients with advanced (stage III and IV) head and neck cancer who have undergone 1 of 4 CRT protocols. Patients ranged in age from 36 to 75 years, and surgical procedures were performed over a 4-year period. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 64 months. INTERVENTION: Neck dissection (most commonly unilateral SND) performed within 5 to 17 weeks after CRT completion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complication rate and incidence of positive pathology (viable cancer) in pathologic neck dissection specimens. RESULTS: Seven (10%) of 69 patients developed wound healing complications, 4 (6%) of whom required surgical intervention for ultimate closure. There were no wound infections. Other complications occurred in 11 (16%) of 69 patients and included need for tracheotomy, nerve transection and paresis, and permanent hypocalcemia. Twenty-four (35%) of 69 patients revealed microscopic residual disease. Ten (50%) of 20 patients with N3 neck disease had positive pathology, whereas 14 (36%) of 39 patients with N2 disease had viable carcinoma in the dissection specimen (P =.09 by chi(2) analysis). There was no significant relation between radiologic complete response or partial response and residual microscopic cancer. In 1 patient, disease recurred in the neck after dissection. Mean follow-up time was 30.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Neck dissection for patients with N2 or greater neck disease after CRT is necessary to eradicate residual disease. (2) The complication rate of SND after CRT with hyperfractionated radiotherapy is low. (3) SNDs are technically feasible when performed within the "window" between the acute and chronic CRT injury (4-12 weeks). (4) SNDs, rather than more radical procedures, appear to be therapeutically appropriate in this group of patients because of the low incidence of disease recurrence in the neck.