What you need to know about neck dissection

It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor tells you or someone you know about neck surgery. Especially when you hear the name 'Neck Dissection', you may wonder what kind of thing this is. But once you understand exactly what it is and why it is done, your fear will go away. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is this so-called Neck Dissection?

Simply put, Neck Dissection is the surgical removal of the lymph nodes, or "lymph nodes" as we commonly call them, in the neck.

Now you might be wondering, "Why do we remove these little lice?" Well, there are thousands of these lice scattered throughout our bodies. They are like little filters. Their main function is to filter and purify the fluid called lymph that comes from the cells and tissues of the body.

Imagine, if someone has cancer, these cancer cells can sometimes travel through the lymph fluid and get stuck in these nearby cells. So doctors do this surgery for two main reasons:

1. Know exactly if the cancer has spread: In cases of head and neck cancers, thyroid cancer, or some skin cancers, it is very important to know if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This helps to accurately determine the stage of the cancer and choose the best treatment.

2. As a treatment: If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, removing those nodes will stop the cancer from spreading further. Sometimes this surgery can even prevent the need for radiation or chemotherapy.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Since this is a major surgery, it requires a lot of preparation beforehand. Your doctor will give you clear instructions about this, but don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Be aware of these things before surgery:

• Habits to stop: If you smoke or drink alcohol, find out exactly how long before surgery you need to stop. These can affect the healing process.
• Medications: Ask exactly if you need to temporarily stop taking any medications (especially blood thinners), vitamins, or herbs or supplements, and when you should do so.
• Food and drink: You will be given instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
• Clothing: Ask if it is okay to wear jewelry, deodorants, and creams on the day of your visit to the hospital.
• Preparing for your hospital stay: Prepare the necessary clothes and other items as you will be in the hospital for a few days.
• Time off from work: Get a rough idea of ​​how long you will need to take time off from work.
• Family support: Discuss in advance how much family support you will need during your recovery.

How is the surgery performed? What are the types?

The surgery takes place in a hospital operating room. First, you will be given general anesthesia to put you completely asleep. Then, the surgeon will remove the lumps on the left side, right side, or sometimes both sides of your neck.

The things that are removed vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Let's look at the main types.

After surgery, one or more small tubes (drains) are placed to drain any fluid that collects inside the wound. This helps the wound heal faster. Finally, the wound is closed with stitches or staples.

The removed tissue is sent to a lab to check for cancer cells. This is called a lymph node biopsy . The results are usually available in about a week or two.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

The main advantage is that the cancer stage can be accurately determined, and treatment can be started by removing the cancer cells immediately.

Also, as with any surgery, there are some minor risks. In addition to the common ones like bleeding and infection, there are some risks specific to this surgery. These are mainly related to damage to the nerves in the neck and face.

• Permanent or temporary numbness at the surgical site.
• Difficulty swallowing, eating, or speaking .
• The appearance of a portion of the face on the side where the surgery was performed sagging .
• Shoulder drooping or difficulty lifting the shoulder on the side of the operation.

But the important thing is that these risks vary greatly depending on the type of surgery . Also, most of the time, these complications are temporary. Some can be completely cured with physical therapy. Talk openly with your doctor about the risks related to the surgery you are going to have.

What should I do when I get home after surgery?

You will need to stay in the hospital for two to five days after the surgery. During this time, the medical staff will take good care of you. They will give you painkillers, medicines to prevent infection, help you walk around a bit, feed you, and take care of the drain.

You will receive a set of instructions to follow when you return home.

• Wound care: Keep the wound clean to prevent infection. You may be asked to apply an antibiotic ointment until the stitches come out.
• Taking care of the drain: If you have a drain placed at home, you will need to learn how to clean it, empty it, and record the amount of fluid that collects.
• Bathing: Usually, you are told not to bathe until the drain is removed. After that, when bathing, you should wash the wound thoroughly and not rub it vigorously.
• Food and Drink: You will start with liquid foods and gradually move on to solid foods. You will be given advice on a diet that will provide the necessary nutrition.
• Activities: You may be asked to do simple exercises to reduce neck and shoulder stiffness. You may also be asked to do breathing exercises to keep your lungs healthy.

When do you need to see the doctor soon?

If you notice any of these symptoms during your recovery, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately .

• Signs of infection: fever, redness at the surgical site, warmth, increased pain, or pus drainage.
• If the wound starts bleeding again .
• If you have difficulty swallowing or feel like food is getting stuck.
• If you have difficulty breathing . This is an emergency, so go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) of the nearest hospital immediately.

Neck surgery, Neck Dissection, Removal of lumps, Lymph nodes, Cancer surgery, Head and neck cancer, Surgery