Page 21 - Head and neck surgery

Conventionally, surgery in the neck entails incisions

which traverses the anterior and lateral neck. Such

incisions provide excellent exposure of cervical

lymph nodes and important neurovascular structures.

However, such incisions pose both cosmetic and

functional disturbances to the patient. Extensive

transection of dermal lymphatics is unsightly, and

hampers neck movement, speech and swallowing

rehabilitation.

The adverse effects of scarring and lymphoedema is

exaggerated after radiotherapy, leading to further

impairment in quality-of-life.

OBrien M. (2009) Head and Neck. In: Plastic and Hand
Surgery in Clinical Practice. Springer, London.