What do systematic reviews say?

Sentinel node biopsy (neck dissection only if biopsy positive) vs Elective neck dissection

• Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers: surgical treatment 2023 · Cochrane All outcomes
  Recurrence: Garrel 2020 reported that the number of patients with recurrences in both arms was almost identical; unable to use the data (variable follow-up); 279 participants (1 RCT).
  1 study · 279 participants
  Very low

Sentinel node biopsy (neck dissection only if biopsy positive) vs Elective neck dissection

Sentinel node biopsy (neck dissection only if biopsy positive) showed no clear difference in locoregional recurrence compared with elective neck dissection (low certainty).

• Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers: surgical treatment 2023 · Cochrane All outcomes

  3 years
  HR 1.04 [0.91, 1.19]
  1 study · 279 participants
  Low