[Lymphadenectomy using dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves in surgery for benign diseases in the neck].

To investigate the significance of lymphadenectomy using dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves in treating complex benign disease of neck. A total of 54 cases with benign diseases in neck who received the protective surgical treatments were reviewed. There were 25 cases of recurrent branchial fistula, 15 cases of lymphoid tuberculosis, 5 cases of cystic hygroma, 5 cases of racemose angioma, and 4 cases of Madelung's disease. According to the location and extent of disease, all cases received operation with dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves to removal lesions with lymphoid tissue and fat-connective tissue. All cases recovered well, and no recurrence occurred with follow-up of 3 to 65 months. There was no other complication except for occurring of Horner syndrome in 1 patient. The protective surgical method has certain application value in the treatment of benign neck diseases that have no indefinite boundary and widely distribute.