Cervical branch of the facial nerve approach for retrograde parotidectomy compared with anterograde parotidectomy.

CONCLUSION

The cervical branch of the facial nerve approach for parotidectomy is an excellent surgical technique that can reduce the incidence of facial nerve paralysis, surgical time, and surgical blood loss.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate a surgical technique for parotidectomy that can reduce the incidence of facial nerve paralysis.

METHODS

Retrograde parotidectomy following identification of the cervical branch of the facial nerve in 90 subjects was compared with standard anterograde parotidectomy in 100 subjects.

RESULTS

Retrograde parotidectomy with a cervical branch approach was associated with significant decreases in the incidence of facial nerve paralysis, surgical time, and surgical blood loss, compared with anterograde parotidectomy.