[Phrenic nerve paralysis complicating cervicofacial surgery].

Radical neck dissection remains the keystone to lymph nodes control in modern Head and Neck Surgery. Like any major operation, it has inherent complications ranging from minor surgical complications such as wound infection to potentially life-threatening complications such as fistula or carotid rupture. We have observed two cases of surgical damage of the phrenic nerve following radical neck dissection. Transient or definitive phrenic nerve palsy after radical neck dissection has been previously reported. The physiopathology according to the age and the clinical implications of that rare complication are discussed.