Head and neck cancer surgery I: Resection

Head and neck cancers comprise about 3-5 % of all adult cancers. Perioperative care of these patients can be challenging for both surgeon and anesthesiologist often for different reasons. The surgeon seeks to remove the primary cancer as well as does a successful neck dissection to remove diseased lymph nodes while leaving the patient with an appropriate cosmetic and functional outcome. The anesthesiologist seeks to secure a potentially compromised airway safely while maintaining anesthesia with surgical staff working directly around the airway. As emphasized throughout this text, communication between staff from both disciplines allows for a team approach to these cancers.