Impact of bilateral neck dissection on recovery following supraglottic laryngectomy

Previously reported data from our institution has led us to perform bilateral neck dissections for therapeutic as well as staging advantages for horizontal supraglottic laryngectomies. Concern over the possibility of increased morbidity associated with simultaneous bilateral neck dissection prompted this retrospective review of patients with supraglottic laryngectomy who were treated with either unilateral (46 patients) or bilateral (23 patients) neck dissection. No significant differences were found in morbidity when patients were evaluated for transfusion rate, cervical wound drainage, need for tracheotomy, oral diet, or duration of hospitalization. Significant differences were noted in surgical operating time, eg, it took 100 minutes longer to perform bilateral dissections, and slight increases were noted in estimated blood loss and fluids given intravenously. No significant differences were noted in the percentage or type of postoperative complications. It seems that bilateral neck dissection in conjunction with supraglottic laryngectomy does not increase postoperative surgical morbidity and may actually avoid complications associated with postoperative radiation therapy in patients with supraglottic laryngectomy.