Electrical stimulation to aid shoulder nerve recovery after neck cancer surgery

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for people having a neck dissection for head and neck cancer. It tests whether brief electrical stimulation helps the spinal accessory nerve recover.

Sex

All sexes can join.

Disease stage

People who are undergoing a neck dissection.

Earlier treatment

People who had a previous neck dissection cannot join.

Main reasons for not taking part

• Previous neck dissection
• Previous implantable stimulator, such as a pacemaker
• Previous spinal accessory nerve injury
• Pre-existing shoulder injury or weakness

The registry criteria, word for word

What the trial wants to find out

Shoulder weakness and pain are common after neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer. This is often caused by injury to the spinal accessory nerve, which controls important shoulder muscles. Recovery can be slow and incomplete, affecting patients' ability to return to daily activities. This project will test whether a brief, low-dose electrical stimulation treatment can help the nerve heal faster and improve shoulder function. The treatment is applied during surgery and is safe, non-invasive, and quick to deliver. If successful, this approach could lead to better rehabilitation, less disability, and improved quality of life for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The project also supports the development of new medical technology and offers a pathway to expand the use of electrical stimulation in other nerve injuries.

The 2 groups in the trial

• Standard of CareNo study treatment, for comparison
• Electrical stimulationTreatment being tested

  Post-operative electrical stimulation of spinal accessory nerve post neck dissection.