Steps of cervical lymph node dissection
Nov 16, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Shaolong
Introduction
Neck lymph node dissection refers to the surgical removal of cervical lymph nodes when laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer has spread to the neck lymph nodes. This procedure is performed at the same time as surgery for the primary tumor. The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free operation. After neck lymph node dissection, it is recommended to eat light, easily digestible foods rich in protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins, which are beneficial for recovery.
Neck lymph node dissection refers to the surgical removal of cervical lymph nodes when laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer has metastasized to the neck lymph nodes, performed simultaneously with surgery for the primary tumor. The specific procedure is as follows:
1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia by the physician to ensure a pain-free operation.
2. Make a curved incision starting from the outer edge of the mandibular angle on the affected side, extending downward along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the suprasternal fossa. For bilateral functional neck lymph node dissection, make a similar curved incision on the contralateral side.
3. Elevate skin flaps by separating them from the platysma muscle in the lower neck region, and position the anterior border of the trapezius muscle bilaterally to align with the neck midline.
4. Dissect both the superior and inferior portions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, pass gauze strips through these ends, and retract the muscle backward.
5. Separate the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve above the clavicle, divide the omohyoid muscle, dissect the carotid sheath, and clear lymphatic tissue from the posterior cervical regions.
Note: This procedure must be performed under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.
