Assessing the occurrence of diaphragmatic paralysis after neck dissection and its clinical implications in the short term

• Grant number: 13/11835-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: José Guilherme Vartanian
• Grantee: José Guilherme Vartanian
• Host Institution: A C Camargo Cancer Center. Fundação Antonio Prudente (FAP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The phrenic nerve injury is a possible complication of neck dissection surgery that can result in diaphragmatic paralysis. The possibility of respiratory complications should always be considered after these surgeries, especially in patients with a prior impairment of respiratory function. In unilateral lesions, even if asymptomatic, is a potential factor for pulmonary complications if not diagnosed early and treated properly. To evaluate the incidence of diaphragmatic paralysis after neck dissection, and its possible implication in lung function in the short term in patients treated at the institution. A prospective study including patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery for neck dissection including levels III, IV and V with preoperative evaluation, immediate post and 30 days after surgery. The assessment will include the completion of testing respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure and SNIP) ultrasound to assess the thickness and diaphragm excursion and plain chest radiography. It is expected to detect the possible occurrence of this complication in the patient population treated in the institution and its clinical implications. If it detects this change and it will show clinically significant, especially in the immediate postoperative period, prevention and specific treatment can be established as a routine in the institution, in order to minimize their occurrence and sequel. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILVA GALINDO SANTANA, ANNE FLAVIA; CARUSO, PEDRO; SANTANA, PAULIANE VIEIRA; LOPES MACHADO PORTO, GISLAINE CRISTINA; KOWALSKI, LUIZ PAULO; VARTANIAN, JOSE GUILHERME. Inspiratory muscle weakness, diaphragm immobility and diaphragm atrophy after neck dissection. EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY, v. 275, n. 5, p. 1227-1234, MAY 2018. (13/11835-6)