Quantitative analysis of the drainage after neck dissection.

Abstract

The goals of this study are to determine the normal volume and lipid values of the drainage after neck dissection (ND) and to evaluate the changes of these values according to the type and side of the ND. Ninety-seven uncomplicated NDs involving zones I through IV were evaluated prospectively in this study. The most important result of the analysis of the drainage is that levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in the drainage were lower than serum levels in all but 1 case (P< 0.001). When matched for the type and side of the dissection, only mean total drainage volume was significantly higher in radical NDs than in selective NDs (P = 0.001). The normal volume and lipid values of neck drainage are reported in this study. Being aware of the changes in these values may help early diagnosis of some pathologic conditions.