[Bilateral neck dissections]

The structure of lymphatic system of the larynx causes that in some cases node metastases may occur bilaterally. In many patients bilateral neck dissection is indicated. In material of 252 patients with laryngeal carcinoma, treated in ENT Department in Gdańsk in 1976-1985, an assessment of frequency and indications to one-stage bilateral neck dissection was made. Among 252 patients, bilateral operations were performed in 50, i.e. 20%. We have found that in 29 patients of 50 were nodal metastases, in 12 unilateral and in 17 bilateral. The analysis of long-term results of treatment showed 23.5% of 5-year survivals in patients with bilateral metastases and 42.3% in patients with unilateral metastases. To base on these data we consider that bilateral one-stage neck dissection should be a standard treatment in many cases of laryngeal carcinoma.