Neck Dissection – Surgical Management of Neck Lymph Nodes

Neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissue from the neck. It is primarily performed to treat or prevent the spread of head and neck cancers.

When is it needed?

Your surgeon may recommend neck dissection if you have:

• Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck

• Suspicious or enlarged lymph nodes that require removal

• Need to control or prevent regional cancer spread

The procedure

Under general anaesthesia, an incision is made along the neck to carefully remove affected lymph nodes and nearby tissues. The extent of the dissection varies based on the cancer type and stage, ranging from selective removal of lymph nodes to more extensive surgery.

Benefits

• Removes cancerous lymph nodes to control the disease

• Helps improve chances of cure or long-term control

• Provides tissue for accurate staging and treatment planning

Recovery

Patients typically stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery involves wound care and a gradual return to normal activities. Some may experience temporary neck stiffness or numbness.

Mr Adeel offers expert neck dissection surgery with meticulous technique to optimise outcomes and minimise complications.