Great auricular nerve preservation in parotid gland surgery: Long-term outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess sensory outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in two groups of patients with and without great auricular nerve (GAN) preservation during parotidectomy.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
The posterior branch of the GAN was preserved in 42 patients (group A) and sacrificed in 13 (group B). Tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities were investigated by dividing GAN territory into seven areas. Comparisons between operated (OS) and nonoperated sides (NS) within each group, and between the OS of the two groups were made. The QoL questionnaire was administered.


RESULTS
In group A, normal tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities ranged from 16.7% to 66.7%, 11.9% to 73.8%, and 21.4% to 81%, respectively, in different OS areas. Significant differences between OS and NS were found, except for the preauricular superior area. In group B, normal tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities ranged from 0% to 61.5%, 0% to 53.8%, and 7.7% to 76.9%, respectively, in different OS areas. Significant differences between OS and NS were found except for the preauricular superior (tactile sensitivity), and preauricular superior and helix/concha areas (cold sensitivity). Comparing the OS tactile and thermic sensitivities between the two groups, only the lobule area showed differences. The preauricular inferior area was different only for heat. The QoL questionnaire showed different hypoesthesia extension between the two groups. All other items were comparable.


CONCLUSIONS
Sensory deficits are commonly reported despite GAN preservation. Lobule and preauricular inferior areas showed differences in terms of tactile and thermic sensitivities, with better outcomes in group A. QoL seems tolerable despite GAN sacrifice.


METHODS
4
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Alberto
A
Grammatica
Pietro
P
Perotti
Francesco
F
Mancini
Anna
A
Bozzola
Cesare
C
Piazza
Piero
P
Nicolai
Luca Oscar
LO
Redaelli de Zinis
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Parotid gland; great auricular nerve; nerve preservation; nerve sacrifice; quality of life; surgery