2b or not 2b? Shoulder function after level 2b neck dissection: A double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Selective neck dissection (SND) is a mainstay of head and neck cancer treatment. A common sequela is shoulder syndrome from spinal accessory nerve (SAN) trauma. Extensive dissection in neck levels 2 and 5 leads to SAN dysfunction. However, it is not known whether limited level 2 dissection reduces SAN injury. The purpose of this double‐blind randomized controlled trial was to determine whether omitting level 2b dissection would improve shoulder‐related quality of life and function.

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