THE ULTIMATE MODIFICATION IN THE MODIFIED NECK DISSECTION

PURPOSE: A study was undertaken to study the potential benefits for fu nction and regional recurrence of preserving the sensory ventral branc hes of the cervical plexus in modified neck dissections. METHODS: Fift een cases of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma of the head and neck in which the sensory nerves were spared were matched to 15 cases in wh ich the nerves were sacrificed. The subjects were examined for sensory loss, questioned regarding acute and chronic dysfunction, and followe d for regional recurrence for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS: The group whose nerves were preserved had significantly less sensory loss and a lower incidence of acute and chronic dysfunction. No subjects in eith er group had regional recurrence. CONCLUSION: The results of this init ial study support a policy of routine preservation of the sensory vent ral branches of the cervical plexus when there is no direct tumor invo lvement.