Professional
Technical
IVT
central neck dissection
Surgical removal of lymph nodes in the central compartment of the neck during thyroid cancer surgery.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving systematic removal of lymph nodes from the central compartment of the neck (level VI), typically performed in conjunction with thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. The procedure includes removal of lymph nodes around the thyroid gland, between the carotid sheaths, and from the upper mediastinum. Medical editors must understand the distinction between prophylactic and therapeutic central neck dissection in cancer treatment protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Specify unilateral vs. bilateral and prophylactic vs. therapeutic in cancer surgery documentation.
In Context
- "Total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection was performed." — Oncology surgical report
- "Central neck dissection yielded 12 lymph nodes, 3 positive for metastatic disease." — Pathology findings
Also known as
level VI dissection
central compartment dissection
Don't confuse with
lateral neck dissection
modified radical neck dissection