Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which of the following is a serious postoperative complication of a radical neck dissection?

1. Infection

2. Hematoma

3. Edema

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Edema

Edema is indeed a relevant postoperative concern following a radical neck dissection, but in this context, the primary serious complication associated with such a surgical procedure typically involves infections or hematomas rather than edema itself. In any case of radical neck dissection, edema can occur due to lymphatic obstruction stemming from the removal of lymph nodes; however, it is often a manageable condition rather than a serious complication. Serious complications following this type of surgery generally include the risk of infection at the surgical site or within surrounding tissues, as well as the formation of a hematoma, which can lead to significant complications if it results in pressure on vital structures or requires surgical intervention. In this scenario, the choice indicating hematoma would typically be considered a strong candidate for a serious postoperative complication due to the potential for substantial adverse effects associated with hematomas in the neck area, such as airway compromise. Therefore, addressing concerns of infection and hematoma formation after a radical neck dissection is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.