Significance of Preserving the Posterior Branch of the Great Auricular Nerve in Parotidectomy

Long‐term results of morbidity after parotid gland surgery in benign disease

“…These included facial nerve paresis,3, 4, 7, 12, 14–18 Frey's syndrome,3, 6, 12, 17–20 salivary fistula,1, 6, 21, 22 disturbed wound healing,3, 6, 13 and tumor recurrence 3, 4, 9, 10, 13. Some authors advised taking into account the impact of minor complications, and in recent publications those minor complications, such as loss of sensitivity of the great auricular nerve,8, 18, 23, 24 pain,17, 18, 25 and change of cosmetic appearance,1, 10, 17, 18 were emphasized.…”

Long‐term great auricular nerve morbidity after sacrifice during parotidectomy

“…An evaluation of the status of long‐term GAN morbidity is relevant to parotidectomy where the GAN is sacrificed, as well as other situations where the GAN is fully or partially sacrificed or traumatized (e.g., neck dissections, neck mass resections, GAN cable graft, traumatic injuries, and complication of rhytidectomy). Also, given the fact that 30% to 50% of GAN posterior branches cannot be preserved despite intent,6, 11, 13 and that all anterior branches of the GAN are sacrificed during parotidectomy,3, 5, 14, 15 further information about GAN morbidity and recovery is relevant to all cases of parotidectomy.…”

Great auricular nerve preservation in parotid surgery: rationale and long-term results insights

“…60 such as: numbness, discomfort when wearing earrings or 61 shaving and suffering a burn [4,5]. To avoid these com-62 plications, GAN preservation during parotidectomy has 63 been advised but controversy about the efficacy of this 64 practice still exists because of the feeling that until one or 65 two years a partial sensory recovery takes place.…”