Validation of the Korean Version of the Neck Dissection Impairment Index in Patients Who Underwent Neck Dissection

Background/Objectives: Shoulder function is an important aspect of health related quality life (QOL). Neck dissection impairment index (NDII) a simple shoulder-specific questionnaire. This study aimed to evaluate the association between QOL and NDII in patients who underwent neck validate Korean version NDII.Materials & Methods: enrolled 74 with head cancer from December 2013 April 2014. Patients completed questionnaires on including European Organization Research Treatment Cancer 30-item Core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) which was translated into Korean. Validity evaluated by calculating Pearson correlation coefficient EORTC QLQ-C30.Results: We compared preoperative, postoperative within week, 1st 3rd months scores. The total scores were 14.7, 47.4, 33.7 34.3 each. Clinical variables gender, site primary tumor, performing revision dissection, radiotherapy flap reconstruction not significantly associated NDII. However mean score unilateral over 3 levels most increased after operation. During all periods functioning score. Although other are lower than scores, global status symptom also NDII.Conclusion: valid instrument can be used only clinical practice assess shoulder dysfunction but Korea having dissection.