And if the operation does not involve all five zones, it is called a selective neck dissection. The image to the left shows the appearance of the neck after a radical neck dissection. The sternocleidomastoid muscle, the internal jugular vein, and the spinal accessory nerve have been removed. Also preserved is the carotid artery, which is extremely important for providing oxygen to the brain. The strap muscles are strap-shaped muscles that help raise and lower structures in the neck.
Exposure is very important in surgery.
The important structures to be saved must first be identified, and exposure is key to finding and protecting these nerves and blood vessels. If a patient has only had a neck dissection, the total hospital stay may only be several days. However, the surgery is also done along with resection of the primary tumor site, and this can take longer. Considering only the neck dissection, there usually will be drains placed under the skin at the time of surgery to collect any serous fluid or blood that accumulates at the operative site. These drains will be removed after a couple days.