Facial Nerve Palsy as a Complication of Parotid Gland Surgery and its Prevention

Abstract

The incidence of postoperative facial palsy in 73 patients who had undergone surgery for parotid gland tumor is reported. Slight facial palsy occurred in 9 (14%) of 66 benign tumors but recovered completely within 3 months following surgery. However, in 7 patients with malignant tumors, 3 (43%) developed permanent palsy and 1 (14%) temporary palsy. The incidence of benign tumors depends on the tumor size and localization. However, the incidence decreased considerably in the last 6 years compared to the first 6 years. This is considered to be due to routine use of computed tomography with sialography and microsurgery during parotidectomy.

Key Words:

• parotid tumor
• parotidectomy
• complication
• facial palsy