Facial nerve function after parotidectomy for neoplasms with deep localization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the deep location of a parotid gland neoplasm is specific risk factor for facial nerve paralysis after parotidectomy.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 88 patients, including 59 with a benign superficial neoplasm of the parotid treated by superficial parotidectomy (group 1); 5 with a benign deep neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 2); 20 with a malignant superficial neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 3); and 4 with a malignant deep neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 4).


RESULTS
Temporary facial nerve paralysis developed in 10.3%, 20%, 10%, and 50% of groups, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Permanent facial nerve paralysis developed in 0%, 0%, 10% and 50% of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factor associated with nerve damage resulting from surgery for parotid neoplasms were malignancy and deep localization. However, the deep location of a benign tumor was not a major risk factor for permanent paralysis.
Department of Surgical Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Maurizio
M
Marchesi
Marco
M
Biffoni
Stefano
S
Trinchi
Valeria
V
Turriziani
Francesco Paolo
FP
Campana
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors