Accessory Nerve Wrapping with the Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector to Reduce Post-Operative Neck and Shoulder Dysfunction in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Neck Dissection
This phase II trial tests the effect of accessory nerve wrapping with Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector, registered trademark, on neck and should dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer after undergoing (post-operative) surgery to remove lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck (neck dissection). One complication of a selective neck dissection (SND) and a modified radical neck dissection (MRND) is injury to the nerve that helps with the movement of the neck and shoulder. Wrapping Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector around intact nerves at the time of surgery may provide a protective barrier and may protect the spinal accessory nerves from injury related to SND or MRND surgery. This may be an effective method to reduce complications such as neck and shoulder weakness in head and neck cancer patients following neck dissection.