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Updated: May 11, 2026
06:05
Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Cervical Metastasis
Published on: February 20, 2026
Predictive factors for postoperative wound complications after neck dissection.
R Pellini1, G Mercante, C Marchese
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Institute Regina Elena, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Preoperative chemoradiation therapy and radical neck dissection increase the risk of major wound complications in head and neck cancer patients. Selective neck dissection may reduce these risks.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Wound complications are a significant concern following neck dissection for head and neck cancers.
- Identifying pre-operative and procedural risk factors is crucial for patient management and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative wound complications after neck dissection.
- To identify specific variables linked to major and minor wound complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 119 patients treated for squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract.
- Analysis of postoperative wound complications (major/minor) in relation to various patient and treatment variables.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 20.2%.
- Preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and the type of neck dissection (radical/modified radical) were significantly associated with higher risk of major complications (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Previous CRT and radical/modified radical neck dissection are identified as risk factors for major wound complications.
- Informing patients about increased risks after CRT is essential; selective neck dissection should be considered when oncologically feasible to minimize complications.
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