[Spinal accessory nerve functions after functional and lateral neck dissections: an electromyographic study].

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to determine electromyographic findings of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) after elective functional (level II-V) and lateral neck dissections (level II-IV) in N0 patients with supraglottic larynx carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 10 patients (five bilateral) who underwent functional (FND), and 10 patients (all bilateral) who underwent lateral (LND) neck dissection for supraglottic larynx carcinoma. Those with a history of myopathy, neuropathy, recurrent disease, or previous radiotherapy were excluded. Functions of the SAN were evaluated with EMG after at least 12 months postoperatively. The results were assessed in four groups as normal functions, or neurogenic deficit of mild, moderate, or severe degree.

RESULTS

Neurogenic deficits were found in the sternocleidomastoid muscle in eight necks (53.3%) and in the trapezius muscle in seven necks (46.6%) in the FND group. However, only two necks (10%) exhibited neurogenic deficits affecting both muscles in the LBD group. Comparison between the two groups showed a significant difference in terms of SAN functions (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to FND, LND is associated with significantly less neurogenic damage secondary to SAN dissection.