Is elective neck dissection the optimal management of the node-negative (N0) neck during salvage surgery after initial treatment with elective nodal irradiation (ENI)?
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May 2010Background: When the neck is seeded at the time of squamous cell carcinoma recurrence, there is a likelihood of occult regional metastatic disease. While it is common practice to include an elective neck dissection as part of the salvage procedure, dissection after radiotherapy has been associated with decreased quality of life, increased operative time and the potential for increased complications.
Study Design: Retrospective patient chart review with comparison of toxicity and actuarial outcomes