Abstract

*Dr. Jaspreet Singh Badwal, Dr. Nitin Khunteta and Dr. Prakhar Katta

ABSTRACT

Background: To review the literature on quality of life after neck dissection so as to help in practical decision making when faced with various clinical situations, such that the reader can comprehend the role of RND, MRND and SND in this current era and the indications for each, when judged in relation to quality of life after neck dissection. Materials and methods: An electronic search was conducted using the search terms “Head and Neck Neoplasms”, “Neck Dissection”, “Quality of Life” and “Postoperative”. Clinical studies were retrieved from the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Results: From a comprehensive review of the literature, it can be asserted that MRND and SND are the preferred procedures for early stage head and neck cancer. There is a paucity of well-designed prospective studies and randomised controlled trials that could provide level I evidence. Conclusion: Though most of the studies report better functional results for selective or modified radical neck dissections compared to radical neck dissection, it cannot be established that all the motor and sensory deficits associated with RND can be ascribed to sectioning of SAN.