Page 22 - Head and neck surgery

The detrimental effects of anterior and lateral

neck incisions can be countered by re-

positioning the incision to the posterior neck,

hidden behind the ear and within the posterior

hair-line – retro-auricular trans-hairline (RATH)

incision.

Preservation of anterior and lateral neck dermal

lymphatics minimizes lymphoedema and fibrosis.

Neck mobility, speech and swallowing

rehabilitation is much improved even if adjuvant

radiotherapy is required.