Complications of biopsy of the cervical lymph node

The incidence of injury to the accessory nerve after biopsy of the cervical lymph nodes is difficult to ascertain. The deficits in trapezius muscle function can result in marked disability to the patient. We have presented the results of surgical exploration and repair in eight patients with injury to the accessory nerve during biopsy of the cervical lymph node. External and internal fascicular neurolysis and fascicle suturing when indicated were performed. Four patients received significant improvement in accessory nerve function and four had no improvement. Our findings agree with those reported in the literature that early recognition of accessory nerve dysfunction after biopsy of the posterior cervical lymph node with appropriate surgical therapy can yield excellent results in trapezius muscle function.