During the period of 1991 through 1994, authors have performed neck dissections(ND)(51 patients / 56 sides) for the management of neck metastasis from head and neck cancer and analyzed the clinical findings and follow-up results. The results obtained were as follows : 1) The types of ND were RND(34%), MRND(41%) and selsctive ND(25%). Bilateral ND and elective ND were performed respectively on 5 patients(9%) and 19 side(34%). 2) Recurrence rate was 5/31(16%) in postoperatively irradiated group, and 9/25(26%) in non-irradiated group. 3) Recurrence rates according to postoperative pathologic staging were N₀ 1/16(6%), N₁ 3/15(20%), N₂ 5/16(31%) and N₃ 5/9(56%). 4) Extracapsular spreads were noted in 12/56 sides(21%), and 11/25(44%) in over N2 stage. 5) The false positive and false negative rates of clinical examination & CT scan were 13% and 26% repectively.