Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preserving external jugular vein and cervical plexus in reducing intra-cranial pressure, face swelling as well as in avoiding shoulder arm syndrome in neck dissection.Methods 20 patients with oral cancer were divided into two groups. The facial interstitial pressure was examined before and after neck dis- section and lymph tubes were stained by immunochemical techniques.Results The degree and lasting time of the increase of fa- cial interstitial pressure in groupwith external jugular vein and cervical plexus preserved was lower than that in control group. The density of lymphatic tubes around the internal jugular vein, accessory nerve and sternocleidomastoid muscleswas much higherthan that around the external jugular vein and cervical plexus.Conclusion Preserving external jugular and cervical plexus during radi- cal treatment is effective not only in reducing the intra-cranial pressure and face swelling, but also in preventing shoulder arm syn- drome.
