GIA stapler in radical neck dissection.

I have used this procedure for over 7 years on approximately 150 radical neck dissections and have experienced no complications related to the use of this stapler, and operative time has been reduced. Approximately one third of these neck dissections have been done on patients who later received radiation therapy. In addition, approximately one third received preoperative radiation therapy. No problems with increased complications or recurrences in the area where the staples remain have been noted. This procedure has been discussed with radiation therapists at the University of Florida, where most of the patients received radiation therapy, and no increase in the complication rate or recurrence rate in this area of the neck was noted.