Neck Dissection Classification Update

TLDR

Since the radical neck dissection was first described by George Crile nearly a century ago, numerous variations such as functional, modified radical, and selective neck dissections have been developed. The AAO‑HNS Committee initiated a standardized classification system for neck dissections in 1988 to provide an organized descriptive framework. Input for the classification was gathered from the ASHNS Education Committee and its Council during the development process. The resulting classification was endorsed by ASHNS and AAO‑HNS and published in the Archives and as a monograph in 1991.

Abstract

Since the first description of the radical neck dissection by George Crile almost a century ago, many variations and modifications of the procedure have been added. These include the functional neck dissection, the modified radical neck dissection, and various selective neck dissections. In response to the need for an organized approach in describing these operations, the Committee for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) in 1988 initiated an effort to develop a standardized classification system for neck dissection (Table 1). During this process, input was obtained from the Education Committee of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery (ASHNS) and its Council. The final product, endorsed by the ASHNS and the AAO-HNS, was published in the ARCHIVES 1 and as a monograph 2 by the AAO-HNS in 1991.