New In-Continuity Neck Dissection Technique for Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Case...

For advanced-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), in-continuity neck dissection should be the recommended treatment approach. However, when the primary lesion within the oral cavity is large, or even involves portions of the alveolar process necessitating marginal mandibulectomy, the traditional technique presents relative operational difficulties. Moreover, there is a high risk that cancer cells may be left behind in the neck and surrounding areas during retraction. We describe an in-continuity neck dissection technique that delivers cervical lymph nodes through a tunnel within the mandible into the oral cavity. All patients demonstrated favorable postoperative recovery. This technique reduces surgical complexity, shortens operating times, and minimizes patient trauma. Theoretically, by avoiding tumor passage through the mandible and neck region, it curtails the potential for residual cancer cells in the surgical area.