Cervical lymph node dissection and thyroid carcinoma

After an anatomic recall of the cervical lymph node compartments we describe the surgical technique of the lymph node dissection in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. These lymphadenectomies should be associated with total thyroidectomy. Cervical lymph node dissection always concerns central compartment and is sometimes extended to the cervico lateral compartments. Lymphadenectomy of a compartment should be complete, reoperations leading to an important morbidity. The two main complications of cervical lymph node dissection are inferior laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.