What to Expect After a Neck Lymph Node Dissection?

Lymph Nodes

You have more than 20 lymph nodes on each side of your neck. These nodes drain fluids from the face, mouth, and throat. Lymph nodes can enlarge due to viral or bacterial infections , or as a result of cancer cells spreading (metastasis) .

What is Neck Dissection?

Head and neck cancers frequently metastasize to the lymph nodes in the neck. The goal of neck dissection is to remove the lymph nodes where cancer cells are at the highest risk of spreading .

Your surgeon will make an incision (or cut) in the lower part of your neck. The size of the incision may vary. Then, fatty tissue and lymph nodes in the targeted areas are removed. The surgeon tries to preserve as much normal tissue as possible; however, cancer cells may sometimes have spread to healthy tissues.

After surgery, you may have difficulty lifting your shoulder or raising your arm to the side above shoulder level. Daily shoulder exercises help maintain the range of motion of your shoulder.

Postoperative Care

Wound

Your wound has been closed with a dissolving stitch.

You can shower two days after being discharged. However, do not rub the incision with soap or a loofah until the dressing has completely fallen off. Do not apply cream or lotion to the incision.

Mild swelling at the incision site is normal and will subside within 4–6 weeks . The pink scar will gradually fade within 6–12 months . Protect the scar from sun exposure for the first 6 months to 1 year ; use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher , or cover it with a scarf. Sunlight can cause the scar to darken.

Drain

Some patients are sent home with a drain , a thin tube, and an egg-shaped collection container.

• The tube should be gently stroked every 4 hours .

• Our team will show you how to do it before you leave the hospital.

• When the drain reservoir is half full, or at least twice a day , empty the liquid into a small measuring cup.

• Note the measured amount, then pour the liquid down the sink or toilet.

Drainage fluid should be red, pink, or straw-colored (yellow) . If the fluid is milky or appears purulent , contact your surgeon immediately .

Bed Position

Sleep with the head of your bed elevated 30-45 degrees . To reduce swelling, you can sleep in a reclining armchair for the first 3-4 days .

After lying down for a few hours, the skin over the incision may appear swollen. Keeping the head elevated is very important, especially if bilateral neck dissection has been performed. This helps prevent excessive facial swelling.

Activity

For the first two weeks after surgery:

• Don't strain.

• Do not lift weights of 9 kg or more.

• Avoid strenuous exercise.

Nutrition

You can return to your normal diet after surgery.

Pain

Your pain may be mild to moderate for the first 24–48 hours and will then decrease. Please do not avoid taking pain medication. The goal is to reduce the pain to a manageable level , rather than eliminating it completely.

When should you go to the emergency room?

Please go to the hospital if you experience any of the following:

1. If you have any concerns

2. Fever above 38°C .

3. Foul-smelling discharge from the incision site.

4. Heavy bleeding.

5. More neck swelling than expected.

6. Increased redness or warmth around the incision.

7. Pain that increases when it should decrease.

8. Chest pain or shortness of breath

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