Distal Facial Nerve Exposure: A Key to Partial Parotidectomy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2009

Publication Title

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Volume

140

Issue

6

First page number:

875

Last page number:

879

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 1) Compare outcomes of distal facial nerve identification with antegrade exposure in partial parotidectomy 2) Be able to incorporate other modifications of parotidectomy including preservation of the great auricular nerve, superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), and parotid duct.STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review of partial parotidectomy for benign neoplasms and intraparotid lymph nodes, using antegrade (Group 1) or distal (Group 2) facial nerve exposure, and those conserving the great auricular nerve, SMAS, and parotid duct (Group 3).SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Outcomes for the three groups were reviewed. The great auricular nerve, parotid duct, and SMAS were preserved when possible. Outcomes examined included postoperative facial nerve function, earlobe sensation, allograft use for SMAS defects, surgical duration, sialocele, or salivary fistula.RESULTS: No difference in facial nerve function was found between the groups. Group 3 had better ear lobule cutaneous sensation. No sialoceles occurred in the 10 of 14 Group 3 cases in which parotid ducts were preserved.CONCLUSIONS: Partial parotidectomy utilizing distal facial nerve exposure can reduce the extent of surgical dissection, facilitate preservation of the parotid duct and great auricular nerve, and allow greater flexibility in the choice of skin and SMAS incisions. (C) 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.

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