Experience with the modified hockey stick incision for block dissection of neck

The modified hockey stick incision was originally described by Lahey in 1940. This allows elevation of a superiorly based cervical skin flap, with additional exposure of the parotid as necessary.

The longitudinal portion of the incision runs from the mastoid process downward, behind the anterior border of the trapezius muscle, and curves gently at the junction of the lateral one-third and medial two-thirds of the clavicle. The transverse component extends medially, approximately 2 cm below the clavicle. When parotidectomy is required, incision is extended in front of the ear and a forward cut is made for additional exposure.

We present our experience with a series of 16 patients, undergoing a total of 17 neck dissections for various pathologies. The majority (11 patients) received postoperative radiotherapy. There were two episodes of minor skin necrosis which were not related to radiotherapy, but to patient co-morbidity, and settled with conservative management. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic result.

We find the modified hockey stick incision to be cosmetically superior and provide excellent exposure of the neck, with protection of the carotid vessels.