ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics,and discuss the prevention of lateral neck lymph node reoperation.METHODS: The clinical data of 31 cases of lateral neck lymph node reoperation performed between January2013 and December 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University were analyed retrospectively.RESULTS: All 31 patients accepted 1 to 3 times lateral neck lymph node dissection,but the extent of lymph node dissection was not described enough clear in 17 cases. Twenty-four of 31 cases were found within 12 months from last operation to abnormal lymph nodes. In imaging diagnosis,the rate of metastasis in level Ⅳ was 58.1%,level Ⅱ(outside the outer edge of internal jugular vein)was 41.9%,trigonum caroticum and level Ⅲ(outside the outer edge of internal jugular vein)were 22.6%,lymph node between sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscle(LNSS)was 12.9%. In pathology after surgery the rate of metastasis at levels Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴb,LNSS was 64.0%,81.8%,68.4%,8.3%,13.6% respectively.CONCLUSION: The imaging assessment has significant effects on lateral neck lymph node dissection,within standardized procedure in surgery,which should help reduce the reoperation caused by human factor.