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Neurovascular Complications After Neck Dissection: a Prospective Analysis at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

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Abstract

Owing to high incidence of oral cancers in India, neck dissection is the most commonly performed procedure in any head and neck oncology setup. This surgery is particularly prone to various neurovascular complications due to intricate anatomy of neck, but the exact incidence has been studied less especially in Indian subcontinent. A prospective observational study was done on 105 patients of oral cancer who underwent neck dissection at Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, and various short-term and long-term neurovascular complications were recorded. There was high temporary praxia of marginal mandibular and greater auricular nerve of 32.5% and 36.1%, respectively, immediate post-operative period which reduced significantly during 6 months. Eight patients had long-term shoulder abduction difficulty. There were isolated cases of IJV thrombosis and phrenic nerve paralysis. Despite our best intentions, complications arise due to complex anatomy of the neck, but if surgeon remains cognisant of the potential complications, their impact on patients’ health, pocket and hospital resources can be minimized.

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  1. Nivedita Sharma

    Present address: Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

    Nivedita Sharma, Nebu Abraham George & Paul Sebastian

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  1. Nivedita Sharma
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  2. Nebu Abraham George
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  3. Paul Sebastian
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Correspondence to Nivedita Sharma.

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Sharma, N., George, N.A. & Sebastian, P. Neurovascular Complications After Neck Dissection: a Prospective Analysis at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India. Indian J Surg Oncol 11, 746–751 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-020-01229-w

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