LYMPHADENECTOMY

This surgical procedure involves the removal of some or all lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck. The lymph nodes are small structures found throughout the neck and the first line of defense against infections or tumors. The lesion for the lymphadenectomy depends on the location of the lymph nodes, and its length will be explained for each case.

The removal of the lymph nodes is carried out through the lesion, which also depends on the tumor’s site of origin. In most cases, other organs of the neck remain untouched (modified lymphadenectomy), but other structures such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle, vessels such as the internal jugular vein, and spinal nerves, need to be removed because the tumor has invaded them (radical lymphadenectomy). This procedure is performed under general anesthesia on a scheduled basis. Hospitalization usually lasts 2-3 days, a plastic tube is always left for drainage for at least 7 days, and the stitches are removed 10-12 days after surgery.

The surgical procedure is aimed at removing all lymph nodes that may be involved by the tumor to eradicate the disease as much as possible and prevent it from spreading to other organs. However, the pathology result may indicate the need to perform some type of complementary treatment, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.