Assessing Spinal Accessory Nerve Recovery After Post-operative Electrical Stimulation
After surgery for head and neck cancer, some people experience shoulder weakness and pain. This often happens because a nerve called the spinal accessory nerve, which controls shoulder movement, can get injured during the operation. This study wants to see if a short, low-level electrical treatment, given during the surgery itself, can help this nerve recover more quickly. The treatment is safe, doesn't involve cutting the skin, and is very quick. If it works, it could mean less disability, better muscle recovery, and an improved quality of life for patients. The research also helps develop new medical technology and could be used for other nerve injuries in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have surgery for head and neck cancer, doctors sometimes need to perform an operation called a neck dissection. This surgery removes lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. A common side effect of this important surgery can be shoulder weakness and pain. This happens because a key nerve in the neck, called the spinal accessory nerve, which is vital for moving your shoulder, can sometimes be bruised or injured during the operation. When this nerve doesn't work properly, it can make everyday tasks like lifting your arm, getting dressed, or even sleeping comfortably, much harder.
Recovery from this nerve injury can be slow, taking a long time, and sometimes doesn't fully improve. This can really impact a person's ability to get back to their normal activities and enjoy life. This research project is investigating a new way to help this nerve heal better and faster. They are looking at a treatment that uses very gentle electrical pulses.
This special electrical treatment would be given during your neck surgery. It's designed to be safe, doesn't involve any extra cuts or stitches, and is quick to apply. The main goal is to see if this mild electrical stimulation can encourage the injured nerve to repair itself more effectively, leading to less shoulder pain and weakness, and helping you regain full use of your arm and shoulder sooner. If this new approach is successful, it could significantly improve the recovery journey and overall well-being for many people after head and neck cancer surgery.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve shoulder recovery after head and neck cancer surgery.
- Uses gentle electrical stimulation applied during surgery.
- Could help reduce shoulder pain and weakness caused by nerve injury.
- The treatment is safe, quick, and non-invasive.
- Could lead to better quality of life for patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who are about to have an operation called a neck dissection to treat head and neck cancer. When deciding if this study is right for you, the research team will ask you some questions about your health and medical history.
Generally, you won't be able to join if you've had a neck dissection before, or if you already have a device like a pacemaker fitted. Also, if you've previously had an injury to the specific nerve being studied (the spinal accessory nerve) or have existing long-term shoulder problems or weakness, you wouldn't be able to take part. This helps make sure the study results are clear and that the treatment is given to the most suitable people.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you having a neck dissection as part of your cancer treatment?
- Have you had a neck dissection before?
- Do you have a pacemaker or similar implantable device?
- Have you had a previous injury to your spinal accessory nerve?
- Do you have any existing ongoing shoulder problems or weakness?
What does participation involve?
The study involves receiving a brief, gentle electrical stimulation treatment to your neck during your planned neck dissection surgery. This takes place while you are already under anaesthetic for your main operation. There are no additional hospital visits specifically for this treatment. You will have regular follow-up appointments as part of your standard care after surgery, and the research team will collect information about your shoulder recovery during these visits. The total duration of your participation will depend on the normal follow-up schedule for your cancer treatment, but the electrical stimulation itself is a very short, one-off intervention during surgery. There are no specific medications involved in this study beyond what your doctors prescribe for your usual care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- St. Joseph's HealthcareVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada
Common questions
What is a neck dissection?
A neck dissection is an operation to remove lymph nodes (small glands) in your neck, usually to check if cancer cells have spread from your head or neck cancer.
What is the spinal accessory nerve?
It's a nerve in your neck that helps control the muscles you use to move your shoulder, especially for lifting and shrugging.
How is the electrical stimulation given?
A small device delivers very gentle electrical pulses to the nerve during your surgery, while you are asleep. It doesn't involve any extra cuts.
Will I feel anything from the electrical stimulation?
No, the treatment is given while you are under general anaesthetic for your surgery, so you won't feel anything at all.
Will this study affect my cancer treatment?
No, this study is focused on helping nerve recovery after surgery and will not interfere with your main cancer treatment or care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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