Avoiding complications in radical neck dissection.

As reported previously, it remains our conclusion that the radical neck dissection can be performed expediently in a reasonable period of time, usually without the need of blood replacement, and is not characterized by major physiologic disability or wound complications secondary to the neck dissection alone. The presence of preoperative radiation, composite resections entering the oral cavity or pharynx, and systemic disease or debilitation, however, vastly enhance the risk of significant life threatening complications and prolong hospitalization; therefore, the use of postoperative radiation therapy in combined treatment, the use of planned fistulas and generally accepted reconstructive techniques, and a careful evaluation of the methods and technique for protection of the carotid artery are recommended.