A survey of head and neck surgical oncologists regarding the inclusion of level IIb in a neck dissection of the node negative neck

Abstract

There is controversy as to whether IIb should be dissected in the node negative neck. The aim of this survey was to ascertain how often head and neck surgical oncologists performed a level IIb neck dissection for node negative T2 and T4 tumours of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx, and to gauge how many might be willing to take part in a RCT of sparing IIb. A convenience sample of 110 MFU colleagues and 125 members of the ENTUK head and neck group were questioned. Response rate for the MFU was 62% and ENT 30%. A clear majority from MFU had a strong preference for including IIb in all clinical scenarios apart from laryngeal T2 tumours whilst ENT included IIb with oral cavity T4, oropharyngeal T2 and oropharyngeal T4 tumours. This survey would support the need for a multicentre study with 53 responders interested in taking part.