Name of the Procedure:

Cervical Lymphadenectomy (Modified Radical Neck Dissection)

• Commonly Known As: Neck Dissection
• Technical Term: Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND)

Summary

Cervical lymphadenectomy, or modified radical neck dissection, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of lymph nodes from the neck. It is typically performed to treat or prevent the spread of cancer.

Purpose

• Condition Addressed: Cancer in the head or neck region, typically when it has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Goals and Outcomes: The primary aim is to remove cancerous lymph nodes to prevent further spread of cancer and to increase the chances of successful treatment.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Presence of cancer in lymph nodes, recurrent infections, or lymph node enlargement that raises suspicion of malignancy.
• Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers or those whose diagnostic imaging suggests lymph node involvement.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Specific instructions on medication adjustments will be provided by the healthcare team.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRIs), and possibly a biopsy or fine needle aspiration to confirm the presence of cancer.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered, meaning the patient will be asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made in the neck to access the lymph nodes.
3. Removal: Surgeons carefully remove the affected lymph nodes while preserving important structures such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
4. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a drainage tube may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
5. Post-Op Care: The surgical area is bandaged, and the patient is monitored during recovery.

Tools and Equipment:

• Surgical scalpel, retractors, clamps, sutures, and potentially a drainage tube.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of node involvement.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room, often requiring an inpatient stay of 1-2 days.

Personnel

• Surgeon: Specializing in head and neck surgery.
• Anesthesiologist: Manages anesthesia and patient sedation.
• Nursing Team: Assists before, during, and after the procedure.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, and swelling.
• Rare Risks: Nerve injury leading to movement or sensation issues, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved prognosis by removing cancerous lymph nodes, reduced risk of cancer spread, and potential increase in survival rate.
• Realization: Benefits are typically noticed during follow-up evaluations and as part of the overall cancer treatment plan.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Pain management with prescribed medications, care of the surgical site, and drainage tube management if applicable.
• Recovery Time: Generally, 2-4 weeks for initial healing, with some restrictions on physical activity.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for cancer recurrence.

Alternatives

• Non-Surgical Options: Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.
• Pros and Cons: While non-surgical options might be less invasive, they may not be as effective for certain patients or types of cancer.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: The patient will be under general anesthesia and won’t experience sensations during surgery.
• After Procedure: Expect some pain and discomfort, manageable with medications. Swelling and bruising are common. The healthcare team will provide specific instructions to enhance comfort and pain management during recovery.