I've had two modified ND, right then left, four years apart. The first took 6 hours, the second was with other major surgery so I don't know how long the ND took. I had just stitches the first time and only one clamp and the rest stitches the second time, only one drain each time. In hospital 4 days, back to work after 8 first time which was too soon. I weakened the shoulder muscles and spent lots of time in PT getting put back together. I had no shoulder trouble on the second one. As Liz says, this surgery was the easiest part.

It appears that they are doing them less these days and relying on rad and chemo to kill it. Personally, on the first one, I just wanted the bad node out of my neck before it got anywhere else. The second one was precautionary and no infected nodes were found. How much trouble you have after the surgery will depend on what nerves and muscles they need to cut. If you are at a CCC, then I would follow their advice, but you probably should get a second opinion if you are in doubt.

Take care,
Eileen