Neck Dissection - Level 6

Considerations

• 2008: Central compartment neck dissection for thyroid cancer; Technical considerations (REVIEW)

• 2009: Consensus statement on the terminology and classification of central neck dissection for thyroid cancer (REVIEW)

  • 2011: Central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer (REVIEW)

    • Definition

    • Surgical excision of all lymph nodes from the hyoid bone to the sternal notch between the carotid arteries (Level VI neck dissection) AND the addition of the superior mediastinal lymph nodes (Level VII neck dissection)

    • Detection of central and lateral neck nodal metastasis preoperatively with clinical examination and cervical ultrasound is important in determining the appropriate initial surgical management

  • Prophylactic central neck dissection in patients without detectable nodal disease remains controversial

  • Reoperative central nodal dissection can be a challenging procedure with increased complication rates but with good outcomes in experienced centers

Preparation

Procedure

Post-op

Pearls & Pitfalls

• • For deep dissection, consider spine self-retaining retractors

Links