The surgical neck dissection is the primary resource for the treatment of the head and neck cancer with cervical metastasis, representing a major challenge for the surgeon. The objective of this study is to compare the swine cervical anatomy with human and present the possibility of applying the swine model in experimental surgery in the field of cervical lymph node dissection.

The authors performed several sessions of experimental neck dissection, highlighting technical and anatomical aspects involving the cervical lymph node dissection. We conducted a literature search about swine cervical anatomy and research in surgical techniques applied to porcine model of experimental surgery.

Anatomical similarities led perform cervical lymph node dissection in swines with successfully. However, the level of cervical lymph node dissection in swine model have some particularities:

– the lower limit should be set through the subclavian muscle;

– the level V is very extensive;

– levels III and IV show little tissue volume;

– access to level II is very difficult by the location of the angle of the jaw;

– level I is quite similar to the human model.

After several sessions of neck dissection in swines, we conclude that swine model is valid for training in cervical lymph node dissection.