Browsing by Subject "Delayed diagnosis"

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    Cervical lymph node biopsy - watch the nerves!
    (2006) Numanoglu, A; Rode, H
    Experience with the delayed diagnosis and severe consequences of accessory nerve injury following cervical gland lymph node biopsy prompted us to survey the practice of South African paediatric surgeons and to ascertain the incidence of accessory nerve injury. Cervical lymph gland biopsies are often performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and although spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury seldom occurs, it remains a significant injury. The operation is relatively minor and cervical glands are commonly biopsied/removed in South Africa by junior doctors, registrars and general practitioners. The operation is often performed as a day case under suboptimal circumstances, despite the fact that it is common knowledge that posterior triangle nodular biopsy carries the risk of iatrogenic damage to the accessory nerve.