Buccal branch as a guide for superficial parotidectomy.

UNLABELLED: Superficial parotidectomy is the preferred method for treating lesions of the parotid gland. Several methods of identification and dissection of the facial nerve have been reported, including antegrade and retrograde dissection.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the role of the buccal branch of the facial nerve use as a guide in retrograde approach that minimizes injury to the facial nerve and maximizes the rate at which it recovers.

RESULT: Fifteen patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy by retrograde approach between 2009 and 2011 at the Maxillofacial Department, Medical City Hospital Baghdad, were included in this study. The study group included 6 males and 9 females, with ages ranging from 25 and 66 years. Temporary facial nerve weakness was noticed in 4 patients (26.6%); full recovery of the facial nerve function in those patients had been noticed between 3 and 8 weeks. Sialocele was noticed in 1 patient (6.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Retrograde approach guided by buccal branch is simple and less time consuming and has less risk for facial nerve injury.