A neck dissection means making an incision under the ear and cutting a line (usually along the neck crease).if it is one side the cut will extend to the midline of the throat,if it is both side (bilateral)it will go from ear to ear .it can be radical or modified ,and will involve removal of the tumour and surrounding lymph nodes.In a radical the jugular vein and possibly some muscles will be removed along with as many lymph nodes as they deem necessary to stop the cancer spreading.this will be decided when they see if the tumour is confined to the capsule of the involved lymph gland.the wound is often closed with staples but may be stiched,and a drain will be inserted in the suture line for a couple of days.if all goes well hospital stay usually last 48-72 hours after surgery and when the drain is removed she should be discharged home.