Facial nerve paralysis postparotidectomy: A retrospective review of the prevalence and risk factors at a tertiary center

Abstract

Objective: Facial nerve paralysis is one of the most devastating complications after parotid gland surgery. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of facial palsy after parotidectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the data from 54 patients who underwent parotid surgery between 2004 and 2015 at a tertiary medical care center. The prevalence of facial nerve paralysis and possible risk factors (demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, and operative factors) associated with postoperative paralysis were assessed. Categorical variables were evaluated using the Fisher's exact test, and a two-tailed t-test was used to assess the associations between continuous and binary outcome variables. Results: The postparotidectomy prevalence of temporary and permanent facial nerve paralysis were 26% and 13%, respectively. Tumors involving both lobes were significantly associated with permanent facial nerve paralysis (p = .048). Long operative duration (> 164 minutes) was associated with both temporary and permanent facial nerve paralysis (p = .040). Conclusions: Operative factors such as operative duration and tumor characteristics such as bilobal involvement increased the risk of postparotidectomy facial nerve paralysis. Such factors should be considered to reduce the risk of palsy in patients undergoing parotidectomy.