The first Head and neck cancer patient with stage IVA was operated on with a modified radical neck dissection by the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department Unit at Madda Walabu University, Goba College of Medicine and Health Sciences Referral Hospital.

He is a 60-year-old male patient who presented with facial swelling around the ear for more than 5 years. After clinical examination, the patient underwent a CT scan of the head and neck with contrast and FNAC of the right parotid area. Following this, there is a 4*5 cm-sized parotid mass with palpable lymph nodes of level II b of 4*3 cm size also 2*3 cm-sized lymph nodes in level III.  

Then the FNAC result shows high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland. After the patient was investigated for preliminary basic investigation was normal with chest and abdominal metastasis the team discussed the management plan with the patient and agreed on it. 

Finally, the team carried out for the first time this procedure in southeast Ethiopia, Madda Walabu University Goba College of Medicine and Health Sciences Referral Hospital by doing the superficial parotifldectomy with preserving facial nerve and Modified radical neck dissection ( removing all level I up to V), attached superior head of sternocleidomastoid muscle, Internak jugular vein was ligated with preserving spinal accessory nerve and hypoglossal nerve) was done via Blair incision with half apron surgical approach which takes 12hrs to finish this procedure. The patient was stable on his second post-op day with full recovery. After he has improved he will be treated with radiotherapy.

The President of Madda Walabu University, Dr. Berhanemeskel Tena, praised the surgical team, saying, “He who saves one life saves all humanity.” He congratulated

1. Dr. Abraham Ayele, Maxillifacial Surgeon , Maxillofacial Radiologist and TMJ and Orofacial Pain Subspecialist)….Leading Team Leader and the team namely:
2. Dr Adugna Tolesa ( DMD, Expert Dental Surgeon)…..Assistant Surgeon
3. Simon Mangistu (Msc, Anesthethist)
4. Dinku Tsegaye (Msc, Anesthethist)
5. Haimanot Nuguse (Bsc Nurse)
6. Alemayehu Nuguse (Bsc Nurse) for their outstanding work and dedication.