The value of cervical lymph node biopsy--a surgical audit.

Cervical lymph node biopsy is a fairly common surgical procedure. The diagnostic yield, however, varies in different centres and in different series depending on the vigour of the screening procedure, the surgical policy adopted and the surgical techniques employed. A surgical audit of the diagnostic yield of 203 lymph node biopsies was made and the results are discussed especially in relation to asymptomatic lymphadenopathy, infective lymphadenitis and metastatic nodes. Comments are also made as to how a better diagnostic yield could be obtained through more meticulous handling of the tissue.