[Lateral neck dissection vs radical neck dissection in the management of supraglottic carcinoma with pathologically negative nodes].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of lateral neck dissection (LND) with radical or modified radical neck dissection (RND) for the management of supraglottic carcinoma with pathologically negative nodes (pNO).

METHODS

Two treatment groups with pNO supraglottic carcinoma were retrospectively compared: 39 patients who were treated with RND between March of 1980 and December of 1996, and 54 patients who were treated with LND between January 1997 and December 2001.

RESULTS

The neck recurrent for LND population was 2.3%, which was not statistically different from the neck recurrent in the RND population (0.0%). Also, the 5-year survival rates were no statistic difference between LND and RND groups (97% vs 94%). Complications and period of hospitalization were both decreased in LND group comparison of RND group (6.7% vs 38.5%; 28 days vs 39 days).

CONCLUSION

Comparing to the radical or modified neck dissection, the LND offers less invasive surgery and less morbidity without oncologic compromise for patients with pNO supraglottic carcinoma.