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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Cervical Metastasis
Published on: February 20, 2026
Lateral approach to central compartment of neck
K Alok Pathak1, Abdulsalam S Al Jabab, Rehan Kazi
1Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. alok.pathak@cancercare.mb.ca
Abstract:
Revision surgery in central compartment of neck is often a challenge for the head and neck surgical oncologists/endocrine surgeons. This is often required for completion thyroidectomies, central compartment lymph node dissections, and re-exploration for persistent hyperparathyroidism. Scarring in midline due to prior surgery makes midline access to central compartment difficult and increases the risk of injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. This article describes a simple technique of approaching central compartment between sternocleidomastoid and strap muscles.
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