Cervical lymph node biopsy - watch the nerves!

Numanoglu, A; Rode, H

Cervical lymph node biopsy - watch the nerves!

Journal Article

2006

Journal Title

South African Medical Journal

Link to Journal

http://reference.sabinet.co.za/sa_epublication/m_samj

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Surgery

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

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.