Bilateral chylothorax following radical neck dissection

Bilateral chylothorax as a complication of radical neck dissection is extremely rare, but it is potentially serious and sometimes fatal. We found only 14 cases reported in the English literature. Here, we report a case of bilateral chylothorax following right modified and left radical neck dissections that was successfully treated with conservative management.     

Bilateral radical neck dissection with immediate reconstruction of the internal jugular vein

Head and neck surgery for advanced neck disease may require ablation of critical structures, including the internal jugular vein (IJV). Although unilateral ligation of the IJV is not commonly associated with a significant increase in morbidity, bilateral sacrifice of the internal venous system may cause severe complications. We present the case of a 60-year-old man with a T4N2cM0 tumour of the left and right hypopharynx. The evolution of the disease required a bilateral modified radical neck dissection and sacrifice of both IJVs. We describe a vein grafting technique for the IJV using the external jugular vein as a donor vessel. Postoperative computed tomography imaging confirmed adequate blood perfusion. This report describes two new and accessible surgical options for immediate IJV grafting. Although this modification slightly increases the surgery time and technical difficulty, it allows immediate restoration of venous perfusion, which may improve the prognosis and patient outcomes.     

Minimally-invasive endoscopically-assisted neck dissection for lateral cervical metastases of thyroid papillary carcinoma

Traditional open operations for lateral neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma leave an unsightly scar. We report complete lateral neck dissection and thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma using an endoscopically-assisted approach through a small incision, and evaluate its feasibility and safety. Between March 2010 and January 2013, 6 patients with no definite metastases to the lymph nodes at levels II-IV, and 20 with definite metastases to the lymph nodes at levels II-V were selected. Thyroidectomy, dissection of the central compartment (level VI), and ipsilateral level II-IV and II-V neck dissections were done through a small incision in the neck. The steps of endoscopic lateral neck dissection were similar to those of conventional operations. The mean operating time for the whole procedure was 3.57 hours (range 2.5 - 5.0). It was successful in all patients and there were no serious complications or serious blood loss. A total of 21 patients had lymph node metastases in the central and lateral zones. The mean yield of lymph nodes was 38.6 (range 16-61). There was no evidence of residual or recurrent disease at follow-up, and the cosmetic result was excellent. Minimally invasive, video-assisted comprehensive neck dissection for metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma is feasible and safe, and has excellent cosmetic results. Further studies with a larger number of patients and long-term follow-up are needed to verify its oncological validity.     

Retrospective study of selective neck dissection versus radical neck dissection as salvage therapy for patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

PurposeWhile salvage surgery has been shown to improve the survival of patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, it is not known whether selective neck dissection has a beneficial or harmful effect on the survival of patients compared with modified neck dissection. The present study was aimed to compare the outcomes among patients receiving either selective neck dissection or modified neck dissection as salvage therapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Patients and methodsIn the present retrospective study, a total of 67 patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were included. 23 patients received selective neck dissection and 44 patients received modified neck dissection. The clinical parameters and Kaplan–Meier 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survivals were compared for the two groups.ResultsThe clinical parameters were comparable between the two groups. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survivals were 91.3%, 62.0% and 55.1% respectively for selective neck dissection and 93.1%, 82.5% and 77.9% respectively for modified neck dissection. Patients receiving modified neck dissection had a significant better overall survival than patients receiving selective neck dissection (χ² = 4.079, P = 0.043).ConclusionAlthough selective neck dissection was associated with fewer complications, it was associated with poor over all survival compared with modified neck dissection. Further prospective, large-scale and long-term study is needed to confirm this conclusion.     

肩胛舌骨上颈淋巴清扫术对控制口腔癌NO淋巴结转移的作用

目的:对施行根治性(RND)和肩胛舌骨上颈淋巴清扫术(SOHND)的NO期口腔癌患者进行回顾性比较研究,探讨肩胛舌骨上颈淋巴清扫术对控制口腔癌。NO淋巴结转移的作用。方法:对182例NO期口腔癌患者进行随访,并根据手术方式分为RND组和SOHND组,对颈淋巴转移、肿瘤复发及5年生存率进行统计分析。结果:本组资料颈淋巴结隐匿性转移率为27.5％,颈淋巴转移率随T分期升高而升高;口腔癌最易向颈深上淋巴结转移,其次是下颌下淋巴结和颈深中淋巴结,Ⅰ至Ⅲ平面转移占总转移率的92.0％;术后肿瘤复发率为17.0％,以局部和同侧颈部复发为主;RND对控制NO期口腔癌颈淋巴转移的有效率为95.2％,SOHND的有效率为94.8％;RND组5年生存率为67.6％,SOHND组为72.7％;两组间复发率及5年生存率无显著性差异。结论:肩胛舌骨上颈淋巴清扫术不仅能够评价NO期口腔癌颈淋巴结转移状况,而且能够有效控制发生隐匿转移的颈淋巴结。对于NO期口腔癌,选择性颈淋巴清扫术可采用肩胛舌骨上颈淋巴清扫术作为标准的治疗程序。     

颈清扫术100年——历史和今天

颈清扫术问世100年以来，已经治愈了无数颈淋巴转移癌患者。外科根治概念几经转变，从广泛整块切除到分区切除受侵淋巴结，强调生存率和生存质量并重。本文对颈清扫术的历史演变进行了回顾，并指出了今后改进发展的方向。     

Comparison of retroauricular and small transcervical approaches for endoscopic-assisted selective neck dissection: a cadaveric study

Advances in endoscopic-assisted neck surgery have allowed surgeons to conceal the scars via various approaches. However, studies comparing the approaches are still rare. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the feasibility and oncological outcomes of the retroauricular approach (RA) and the small transcervical approach (STC) for endoscopic-assisted selective neck dissection (EASND). Five fresh cadavers were recruited. EASND was performed via RA on one side and via STC on the contralateral side of each of the cadavers. The duration of the procedure was subdivided into preparation and EASND, and was recorded during the operation. The preserved vital structures were inspected by another surgeon after the cadaver dissection. The total number of lymph nodes retrieved was assessed by a pathologist. There was no significant difference in lymph node count between the RA group (mean 21, range 9–38) and the STC group (mean 23, range 7–34) (P > 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the RA group than in the STC group (preparation, P = 0.042; EASND, P = 0.043). In terms of surgical feasibility, STC can be chosen as the approach of choice for EASND. In spite of a long learning curve, RA might be an alternative option in particular cases to minimize scarring.     

功能性与根治性颈淋巴清扫术在早期口腔鳞状细胞癌治疗中的疗效比较

目的:探讨功能性颈淋巴清扫术(functional neck dissection,FND)与根治性颈淋巴清扫术(radical neckdissection,RND)在口腔鳞状细胞癌中的临床疗效.方法:63例口腔鳞状细胞癌患者,分为FND组(n=30)和RND组(n=33),FND组保留胸锁乳突肌、副神经、颈内静脉及耳大神经,术后随访2组患者的肩外展功能、耳大神经功能、颈部是否明显凹陷及颈部复发率.应用SPSS 18.0软件包对数据进行单因素x2检验、两独立样本均数t检验,以及Fisher确切概率检验.结果:FND与RND组之间在年龄、性别、肿瘤部位、T分期、N分期、组织学分化程度、病理学类型、术前化疗及术后化疗等方面无显著差异(P＞0.05).所有患者均为N0或N1期,FND组术后肩关节活动度、耳垂感觉麻木及颈部凹陷改善程度显著优于RND组(P＜0.05);术后随访2年,FND组的颈部复发率与RND组无显著差异(P=1.000).结论:对于N0或N1期口腔鳞状细胞癌患者,FND与RND相比,患者颈部复发率无显著差异,但其并发症显著减少,可明显提高患者术后的生活质量.     

Perfusion of microvascular free flaps in head and neck reconstruction after prior neck dissection and irradiation

Microvascular free flaps are frequently used for head and neck reconstruction after prior neck dissection (ND) and neck irradiation (RTX). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ND and RTX on flap perfusion as a critical factor for flap success. Overall, 392 patients reconstructed with a microvascular fasciocutaneous flap (FF) or perforator flap (PF) in the head and neck region between 2011 and 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Flap perfusion measured intraoperatively and postoperatively with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system was compared between patients who had received neither ND nor RTX (controls), patients who had received ND but no RTX (ND group), and patients who had received both ND and RTX (ND+RTX group). Intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow was decreased in FFs in ND group patients compared to controls (median 66.3 AU vs 86.0 AU, P = 0.023; median 73.5 AU vs 93.8 AU, P = 0.045, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, these differences showed a tendency to persist (P = 0.052 and P = 0.056). Flap success rates were similar in control patients, ND patients, and ND+RTX patients (98.7%, 94.0%, and 97.6%, respectively). Flap perfusion is not reduced in FFs and PFs in patients who have undergone ND or ND and RTX. This indicates that neck dissection and neck irradiation should not be contraindications for microvascular free flap reconstruction.     

单侧颈淋巴清扫术切口的研究进展

常见单侧颈淋巴清扫术切口包括T形或Y形切口、矩形切口、围裙式切口等.这些颈淋巴清扫术的切口各有其优缺点,临床医生也总在不断尝试和探索新的切口.本文就单侧颈淋巴清扫术切口的进展情况进行综述,探讨各类切口的优缺点,以供临床参考.     

Determinants of level Ib involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma and implications for submandibular gland-sparing neck dissection

Traditional neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) involves removal of the submandibular salivary gland. Several studies have cited the low incidence of direct gland invasion by tumours and have recommended gland-sparing neck dissection. In this study, a detailed audit of level Ib involvement in OSCC was performed in order to assess the feasibility of submandibular gland-sparing in neck dissection; the rate of direct involvement by the primary tumours, the involvement of periglandular level Ib nodes, and their determinants were investigated. A total of 586 neck dissection specimens obtained between 2005 and 2014 from patients operated on at the study institution for floor of mouth, tongue, and buccal primaries, were evaluated for direct invasion of the gland and periglandular lymphadenopathy. Of 226 node-positive patients, 21 (9.3%) had direct gland invasion by tumour. Risk factors were tumour diameter >4 cm (P = 0.002) and depth of invasion >10 mm (P = 0.003). Determinants of periglandular lymphadenopathy were depth of invasion >10 mm (P < 0.001), perineural invasion (P = 0.02), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.014), and moderate/poor differentiation (P < 0.0001). Gland-sparing neck dissection is safe in early tumours (pT1pN0–1), with a good chance of minimizing xerostomia without radiotherapy. Larger tumours without clear evidence of submandibular gland invasion or suspicious level Ib lymphadenopathy may be considered for gland preservation, however the oncological safety is unclear.     

Transoral retroauricular neck dissection (TREND): A novel combination approach

Early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma is treated preferably by wide local tumour excision along with elective neck dissection. The conventional neck dissection leaves an unaesthetic scar, which remains a major challenge that adversely impacts patient satisfaction, their social interactions, and quality of life (QoL). In recent times, retroauricular assisted endoscopic and robotic neck dissection techniques that avoid unaesthetic neck scars have gained popularity. The pitfalls in attaining universal acceptance of these techniques are the need for specialized instrumentation, training, and increased costs. The need for an endoscope or robotic camera when using the retroauricular approach arises mainly while addressing the level I lymph nodes, due to poor access. A combination of transoral and retroauricular approaches that overcomes these factors is presented here, named the transoral retroauricular neck dissection (TREND). The technique successfully avoids a visible neck scar while providing adequate exposure of level I lymph nodes without the need for specialized instrumentation. This approach has been applied, with adequate lymph node clearance achieved in all patients. This novel combination approach of neck dissection is oncologically safe, easy to replicate, and improves patient aesthetics, functional outcomes, and QoL. We recommend that clinicians practice this simple technique and enhance the practice of remote access neck dissection.     

Prognostic value of elective neck dissection in adenoid cystic carcinoma of head and neck: a meta-analysis: A call for randomized trials and international consensus

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of head and neck (AdCCHN) is an uncommon salivary gland cancer characterized for infrequent neck metastases, and high rate of local and distant recurrence. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse the significance of elective neck dissection (END) in terms of overall survival (OS) in patients with AdCCHN. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was performed. Endpoint assessed by this meta-analysis included 5-year OS (death from any cause). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I² statistic. A pooled odds ratio (OR) was reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). There were 1934 patients in the END arm and 3083 in the observation group. The pooled OR, calculated for END vs. observation, was 0.94. Patients receiving END had similar risk for death compared to observation cohort (P = 0.76). No significant difference in final outcome after patient stratification based on T stage was identified (OR for T1/T2 1.27, P = 0.39; OR for T3/T4 0.95, P = 0.90). Observation for cN0 neck is a reasonable option in AdCCHN. These findings suggest the need for prospective trials on indications and extent of END in AdCCHN.     

保存颈内静脉的改良根治性颈淋巴清扫术的临床评价

目的 :对口腔癌及口咽癌颈淋巴清扫术中保存颈内静脉术式的临床效果进行评价。方法 :回顾分析本院近 10年内所行的根治性颈淋巴清扫术和保存颈内静脉的改良根治性颈淋巴清扫术病例资料。比较 2种术式的术后面部水肿和颅内高压持续时间及程度、2组患者的术后局部复发情况和生存时间。结果 :保存颈内静脉的改良根治性颈淋巴清扫术的术后颌面部水肿和头晕症状程度轻于根治性颈淋巴清扫术 ,持续时间缩短。改良根治性颈淋巴清扫术 3年和 5年生存率分别是 72 .6%和 5 3 .3 % ,局部复发率 5 .1% ;而根治性颈淋巴清扫术 3年和 5年生存率分别是 75 .2 %和 5 7.8% ,局部复发率 4.8%。二者 3组指标差异均无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :保存颈内静脉的改良根治性颈淋巴清扫术和经典的根治性颈淋巴清扫术临床疗效相近 ,术后并发症轻 ,且能保存颈内静脉 ,为可能的再次手术治疗创造了条件 ,值得临床推广。     

Neck failure following pathologically node-negative neck dissection (pN0) in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Due to the risk of occult cervical metastasis, elective neck dissection (END) is recommended in the management of patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and a clinically node-negative (cN0) neck. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that recorded isolated regional recurrence (RR) in the pathologically node-negative neck dissection (pN0) neck following END in order to quantify the failure rate. Pubmed and Ovid databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published between January 2009 and January 2019. Studies reporting RR following END in patients with OSCC who had no pathological evidence of lymph node metastasis were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. In addition, a selection of large head and neck units were invited to submit unpublished data. Search criteria produced a list of 5448 papers, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three institutions contributed unpublished data. This included a total of 4824 patients with median follow-up of 34 months (2.8 years). Eight datasets included patients staged T1-T4 with RR 17.3% (469/2711), 13 datasets included patients staged T1-T2 with RR 7.5% (158/2113). Overall across all 21 studies, isolated neck recurrence was identified in 627 cases giving a RR of 13.0% (627/4824) on meta-analysis. Understanding the therapeutic effectiveness of END provides context for evaluation of clinical management of the cN0 in these patients. A pathologically negative neck does not guarantee against future recurrence.     

Comparison of related complications: sentinel node biopsy versus elective neck dissection

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is considered a feasible neck staging tool in early oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity in patients who had undergone SNB and elective neck dissection (END). Seventy-three consecutive patients were included between the years 2005 and 2009. The patients were divided into two groups according to neck management: SNB and END groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the groups. Shoulder function, length of the surgical scar, and the degree of cervical lymphoedema were assessed. Neck haematoma and the presence of oro-cervical communication were also analyzed. Thirty-two patients underwent SNB and 41 underwent an END (levels I–III). Seven regional recurrences were recorded in the END group. Three neck recurrences occurred in the SNB group. No significant differences were found in DFS or OS between the groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in shoulder function and average scar length. However, differences in degree of lymphoedema were not statistically significant. Neck hematomas and oro-cervical communications occurred only in the END group. From this study, it can be concluded that SNB presents less postoperative morbidity than END.     

A method for marking histopathological specimens of neck – technical note

The authors present a technical note for marking the location of lymph nodes of the neck for histopathological examination. A more precise histopathological report permits more effective overall management of patients with neoplastic disease of the head and neck.     

Perioperative evaluation of glycaemic status in neck dissection: a retrospective analysis at a single hospital centre

Diabetes mellitus is generally considered a risk factor for impaired wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the glycaemic status of patients undergoing neck dissection and describe its impact on postoperative outcomes, especially wound healing. A retrospective analysis was performed of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative glycaemic data obtained from the medical charts of 60 adult patients who had undergone 64 neck dissections. Nine of the 64 procedures were performed in diabetic patients (14.1%). The average glucose values were: preoperative 5.99 ± 1.25 mmol/l, intraoperative 8.90 ± 2.62 mmol/l, and postoperative 10.01 ± 2.49 mmol/l. All registered preoperative hyperglycaemia cases (eight cases) were diabetic. Postoperative insulin therapy was done in 14 procedures (21.9%). Wound healing complications were found in five patients (7.8%); there was no wound infection. There was no association of wound healing complications with preoperative diabetic status (P = 1.000), preoperative glucose control (P = 1.000), preoperative (P = 0.469), intraoperative (P = 0.248), and postoperative (P = 0.158) glucose values, or with postoperative glucose control (P = 0.577). These data do not support the association of stress-induced hyperglycaemia or diabetes mellitus with postoperative wound healing problems in neck dissection.     

Planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy in advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer: The role of US,MRI and FDG-PET/TC scans to assess residual neck disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of neck ultrasounds (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (FDG-PET/TC) in detecting residual nodal disease after chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).MethodsFrom 2006 to 2009, 36 consecutive patients affected by OPSCC with bulky nodal disease (>3 cm), treated with primary concurrent chemoradiotherapy, were enrolled prospectively. Nodal response to treatment was assessed by using US, MRI and FDG-PET/CT. Planned neck dissection (ND) was performed in all the patients, and the histopathological node status was compared to the imaging findings in order to establish sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values of each technique.ResultsMetastatic disease was assessed in 18/37 (48.6%) hemi-necks, always localized in levels II–IV. US showed greater sensitivity (77.8%) and, combined with FDG-PET/TC, produced the highest negative predictive value (93.3%). US, MRI and FDG-PET/TC scans showed the highest specificity (100%), accuracy (93.8%) and positive predictive values (100%).ConclusionsIn the presence of advanced OPSCC with bulky nodal disease, US combined with FDG-PET/TC could be a reliable and cost-effective strategy to identify patients with complete nodal response to chemoradiotherapy that might not require post-treatment ND but only observation. When residual disease in the neck was detected, selective ND was recommended.     

Prognostic value of lymph node count from selective neck dissection in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Unlike the levels of anatomical exploration, there is no consensus on the extent of lymph node dissection, or lymph node count (LNC), during selective neck dissection (SND). The aim of this study was to validate the prognostic impact of LNC on survival and to determine an optimal LNC cut-off value for SND. A retrospective investigation identified 78 patients with a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent SND (levels I–III or levels I–IV). LNC and clinicopathological variables were analyzed for any association with survival in Cox proportional hazards models. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, a cut-off value of 19 lymph nodes was found to predict overall survival (OS) (area under the curve 0.732, sensitivity 67.8%, specificity 75.0%; P = 0.026) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (area under the curve 0.762, sensitivity 68.1%, specificity 77.8%; P = 0.011). On Cox regression, LNC (≥19 vs. <19) was the only independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 5.29, 95% confidence interval 1.39–20.05; P = 0.014) and DSS (hazard ratio 6.76, 95% confidence interval 1.40–32.77; P = 0.018). Similar results were obtained in the pathologically lymph node-negative subgroup (n = 66). Based on the study findings, SND should include 19 or more lymph nodes for a survival benefit.