[Significance of preserving the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve in parotid surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility, technique and significance of preserving the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve in parotid surgery.

METHODS

48 cases with parotid tumor who underwent regular parotid surgery with cosmetic incision were included. The sensory testing was carried out in upper auricle, lobule, infra-auricular, pre-auricular and post-auricular region preoperatively and at 10 days, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after operation.

RESULTS

The posterior branch of the great auricular nerve was preserved in 35 out of 48 patients. There was no sensory loss in the upper auricle and post-auricular region. Early after operation, sensory disturbance was found in lobule, infra-auricular region, but significantly in pre-auricular region. The sensory disturbance was recovered slowly to nearly normal level at six months after operation. 13 cases with sacrifice of the nerve had a significantly higher sensory disturbance and a longer recovery time.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve during parotid surgery is technically feasible and can reduce the postoperative sensory disturbance and possible permanent sensory loss. It further helps to improve the quality of life early after operation.