Microsurgical repair of iatrogenic accessory nerve lesions in the posterior triangle of the neck.

Of ten patients with iatrogenic lesion of the accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck, nine underwent secondary reconstructive surgery, with direct end-to-end nerve suture or with nerve grafting. In the six patients whose operation was performed within 4 months from the injury recovery was satisfactory, but the three with longer delay did not recover. Reconstructive surgery as soon as possible after the injury is advocated.