Motor and sensory complications following neck dissection: a prospective telephone-interview study.

Conley, M.; Brooks, J.; Oladokun, D.; Dawson, R.; Moor, J.

Motor and sensory complications following neck dissection: a prospective telephone-interview study.

All Authors

Conley, M.

Brooks, J.

Oladokun, D.

Dawson, R.

Moor, J.

LTHT Author

Oladokun, Dare
Dawson, Rebecca
Moor, James

LTHT Department

Doctors' Rotation
Head & Neck
Ear, Nose & Throat

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To clarify incidence, progression and effect on quality of life of shoulder/neck disability, oral asymmetry, neuropathic pain and numbness following neck dissection. METHODS: This prospective telephone-interview study delivered the Neck Dissection Impairment Index, Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire, House-Brackmann Scale and questions assessing numbness to patients before and three times after neck dissection. RESULTS: Mean Neck Dissection Impairment Index (6.43 vs 22.17; p = 0.004) and Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire scores (0.76 vs 2.30; p = 0.004), proportions of patients with oral asymmetry (3 per cent vs 33.3 per cent; p = 0.016), ear (5.9 per cent vs 46.7 per cent; p = 0.002), jaw (5.9 per cent vs 53.3 per cent; p < 0.001) and neck numbness (5.9 per cent vs 53.3 per cent; p < 0.001) each increased significantly from pre-operation versus 12 weeks after. Neuropathic pain diagnoses did not reach significance. No outcome returned to baseline and progression of each was illustrated over time. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrated that these complications are common and persist throughout short-term recovery. Screening to identify and manage complications could improve post-operative care.