Neck dissection surgery in Iran (lymphadenectomy)
The lymphatic system consists of lymph cells that play an important role in fighting against infections, viruses, and germs in the body. The lymphatic liquid that passes through the tissues of the body returns afterwards to the lymphatic glands to be cleansed and filtered. In case there are cancerous cells in one of the tissues, they are captured by the nearest lymph nodes in which they settle and grow to spread afterwards in the whole body by traveling through the lymphatic fluid. From this point, surgeons recommend total resection of the lymph nodes that are situated near the cancerous cells. Skin cancer and thyroid cancer could transfer malignant cells to the lymph nodes that exist in the neck. For this reason, it is better for the patient to undergo a neck dissection in case of the occurrence of these cancers. If you consider undergoing neck dissection, we recommend that you do it in Iran. Iran offers neck dissection surgeries that are performed by the best and well-experienced surgeons, like Dr. Saeedi the board certified ENT and head & neck surgeon, with reasonable prices. Please continue reading for more information about neck dissection in Iran with Dr. Saeedi.
What is neck dissection surgery?
Neck dissection or lymphadenectomy is a surgical procedure to eradicate the lymphatic nodes in the neck. It can be unilateral or bilateral.
What are the reasons behind neck dissection?
- Suspecting the existence of cancer in the lymph nodes.
- Resection of cancerous lymph nodes.
- If there is any chance of cancerous spread, lymph nodes are immediately removed.
- To avoid the return of cancer.
What are the benefits of neck dissection in Iran?
Iranian hospitals are well equipped with the same advanced equipment and tools that exist in the international hospitals. Add to it that the surgeons, doctors and medical staff in Iran are active and professional with a huge experience. Many ENT and head & neck surgeons in Iran have studied in prestigious medical universities in Iran and the Western countries. In addition, the numbers of successful surgeries that they had done during their careers make them eligible to perform complex and delicate surgeries more than ever.
The cost is another key factor in considering having neck dissection surgery in Iran, since the surgery only costs a small fraction of its price in the western countries. This does not mean any compromise in the quality of the surgery or the health care, but the low cost is merely a consequence of economic factors in the country such as the depreciation of the Iranian currency against foreign currencies.
Neck dissection surgery techniques
There are three techniques for neck lymphadenectomy surgery:
- Radical neck dissection.
- Modified neck dissection.
- Selective radical neck dissection.
What does radical neck dissection mean?
- In radical neck dissection, all lymph nodes are removed along with the surroundings such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the accessory nerve, neck tissues and main blood vessels.
- In modified radical neck dissection, the surgeon only removes the lymph nodes and preserves the other structures.
- Selective radical neck dissection depends on the spread of cancer. If cancer is not widely spread, only a few lymph nodes are removed, while reserving the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and neck tissues.
Neck dissection levels
There are six different areas in the neck, which are called lymph stations.
- Level one includes the submental and the submandibular lymph nodes.
- Level two includes lymph nodes of the upper jugular group.
- Level three includes lymph nodes of the middle jugular group.
- Level four includes lymph nodes of the lower jugular group.
- Level five includes posterior compartment lymph nodes.
- Level six includes the anterior compartment lymph nodes.
Preparing for lymphadenectomy – What to expect before neck dissection surgery?
There are several necessary procedures for you to do before neck dissection surgery:
- Ask the doctor for more details about the surgery, its risks and benefits.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for a few weeks before neck dissection surgery.
- Inform the doctor if you are on any kind of medication.
- The doctor will tell you what medications you should take and what you shouldn’t.
- Stop any kind of blood thinner that you are on.
- Do blood tests, scan, and ultrasound to your neck as required by your surgeon.
- You will be given some exercises to help expand your lungs.
- Inform the doctor if you have any breathing problems like sleep apnea.
- Do not eat or drink after the midnight before the operation.
- Remove jewels and body piercings.
- Do not put perfume, powder, or cream on your neck before the surgery.
- Bring a family member or a friend with you to the hospital.
- if you use contact lenses, replace them with glasses.
How is lymphadenectomy performed?
Neck dissection surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the side of the neck. After that, the surgeon operates according to the applied technique and the damaged area. There are important structures in the neck that are a part of neck dissection surgery:
- The internal jugular vein: the blood runs through the jugular vein from the brain towards the heart.
- The accessory nerve: it nurtures the muscles that are responsible for the movement of the shoulder.
- Sternocleidomastoid: which is the largest and most important muscle in the neck.
The surgeon should be accurate when working around these structures during surgery. However, if any of these structures is infected with cancer, they should be removed at once.
Resecting the jugular vein from one side of the neck is not dangerous because there are other veins in the neck that are responsible for carrying blood back from the brain toward the heart.
Resecting the accessory nerve from one side of the neck restricts the movement of the shoulder and the arm. It also leaves a sensation of pain in the shoulder as a result of some infection in the shoulder’s joint.
Resecting the sternocleidomastoid from one side of the neck causes asymmetry in the shape of the neck. However, it does not cause functional problems in the neck.
Hospital care after neck dissection surgery
- After the surgery, the patient will be taken to the recovery room.
- There will be a nurse to take care of you, check on your condition, and change your bandages.
- The bed will be set in way that makes the patient comfortable.
- There will be a drainage in the neck. It will be removed when the amount of fluid decreases.
- After the surgery, the patient might have dysphagia, which is a difficulty swallowing and chewing. For this reason, the patient will have a tube in his stomach for nutrition and fluids.
- Physical therapy starts in the hospital or later at home.
Neck dissection Recovery period and home care
- Take the prescribed painkillers whenever you feel pain.
- Keep the incisions clean and change the bandages regularly.
- During the shower, do not let shower water fall directly on your incisions. Use a clean towel and gently clean the incisions.
- Avoid heavy activities, driving, and sexual activities for some time.
- Call the doctor if you have high temperature, redness, discomfort feelings, or new increased swelling in the neck.
Take into consideration that neck dissection healing time depends on how many tissues are removed.
Neck dissection surgery risks and benefits
All surgeries have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the risks and benefits of lymphadenectomy.
Neck dissection risks
Like any surgical operation, lymphadenectomy surgery is accompanied by some complications such as:
- Pain and numbness
- Swelling
- Infections
- Accumulation of fluids under the skin
- Bruises
- Bleeding
- Ear pain
- Lacerations in the skin that covers the area of surgery
- Damaging some nerves, which might leave a temporary or a permanent effect.
Neck dissection complications can be avoided or minimized by choosing a professional surgeon.
Neck dissection benefits
The main advantage of lymphadenectomy surgery is that it is a lifesaver since it removes cancerous and suspected cells and tissues.
Neck dissection surgery in Iran with Dr. Saeedi
Dr. Masoumeh Saeedi is one of the best ENT surgeons in Iran. She is a board certified ENT and otolaryngology doctor with a fellowship in head and neck surgery for more than 12 years. She was ranked first in the entrance to the national board exam. Due to her distinction, she obtained an associate professorship of ENT in Baqiatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran while she was only 33 years old.
To deepen her knowledge further, she attained many specialized courses in medically developed countries such as Germany, France, Portugal, Malaysia, South Korea and others.
During the past 12 years she performed more than 5,000 successful complex surgeries including many neck dissection surgeries for both Iranian and International patients.
Do not hesitate to send us a message through the Doctor’s social media or fill up the form to have a free online consultation on neck dissection surgery in Iran with Dr. Saeedi.
Cost of Lymphadenectomy surgery in Iran with Dr. Saeedi
Iranian surgeons are famous for performing neck dissection surgeries with low costs compared to other countries. The cost of the surgery in the United States of America varies between $6,000 and $10,000, while neck dissection surgery in Iran with Dr. Saeedi does not exceed one quarter of this price. Please contact us to have a free consultation and quote on neck dissection surgery in Iran with Dr. Saeedi.
Neck dissection for esophageal cancer
Esophagus cancer is a condition in which malignant tumors or cells are placed in the tissues of the esophagus. Small tumors can be treated by neck dissection surgeries. However, large tumors cannot be resected therefore cannot be treated. In such cases, chemical and radical treatment are used to minimize and prevent the spread of cancer.
Neck dissection for melanoma
Lymphadenectomy is performed to remove melanoma that reaches the lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer.
Other types of cancer can be treated with neck dissection like parotid gland cancer, oral tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and thyroid cancer.
Frequently asked questions about neck dissection surgery:
How successful is lymphadenectomy?
Lymphadenectomy is a complicated surgery and it highly depends on accuracy. The success rate for lymph node removal surgery is 65%. Lymphadenectomy is performed to resect cancerous structures and eliminate the spread of cancer. There is a high percentage for cancer cells to spread again even after the therapy.
Is neck dissection a major surgery?
Yes, neck dissection surgery is a major surgery that is performed to resect malignant tumors and prevent cancer from spreading.
What is central neck dissection?
In the case of thyroid cancer, the tumor spreads to the nearest lymph nodes that surround the thyroid in an area called central neck. Removing the cancer from central neck is called central neck dissection.
What is functional neck dissection?
Functional neck dissection is a surgical procedure to treat the portable nodes in patients who have head and neck cancer.
What is selective neck dissection?
Selective neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove the lymph nodes that are suspected to be cancerous from the neck.
What is modified neck dissection?
Modified neck dissection is resecting only the usual lymph nodes that the surgeons normally remove in radical neck dissection.
Is lymphadenectomy painful?
Neck dissection surgery is painful to some degree after the operation. However, the pain can be controlled by painkillers prescribed by the doctor.