[Functional cervical lymph node excision with section of the sternocleidomastoid muscle]

Based on 7 cases, the authors update the low section and subsequent suture technique of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in conservative cervical lymphadenectomy, principally for differentiated thyroid cancer. Due to the good exposure obtained, this technique permits functional clearance with excellent visualisation of the structures to be preserved and is associated with very minor functional sequelae. A review of the literature confirms the perfect feasability and reproducibility of this technique and justifies its use from a cosmetic viewpoint.