The Role of the Parotid Fascia in Identification of the Facial Nerve during Parotidectomy

Abstract

Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants should be able to appreciate that performing a safe parotidectomy requires identification and preservation of the facial nerve. Participants will demonstrate understanding of the relationship between the parotid fascia and the location of the facial nerve trunk. Multiple standard anatomic landmarks have been used to help the surgeon identify the general location of the facial nerve trunk. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the use of the parotid fascia that immediately overlies the trunk as a landmark.Methods: Prospective cadaver study. Dissection of the parotid fascia and identification of the facial nerve trunk was carried out in 8 fresh cadaveric parotid glands. The attachments of the parotid gland were evaluated, with special attention to the fascia overlying the facial nerve trunk.