Retrograde facial nerve dissection in superficial parotidectomy versus standard approach: a comparative study

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine whether the retrograde approach in parotidectomy is more efficient than standard anterograde parotidectomy without compromise of surgical effectiveness. A prospective analysis of 48 patients undergoing superficial parotidectomy was conducted. Cases were divided into those undergoing retrograde facial nerve dissection and those undergoing standard anterograde facial nerve dissection. The following had been monitored surgical time, estimated blood loss, and incidence of either temporary or permanent facial nerve injury. Statistical comparisons were conducted for the two approaches comparing the three different mentioned variables. The average patient age was 48.5 years with a female preponderance [71%]. There were 23 standard superficial parotidectomies and 25 retrograde approaches. Compared to standard superficial parotidectomy, retrograde superficial parotidectomy consumed less operative time [1.80 versus 2.10 hours], decreased intraoperative blood loss [88.00 ml versus 50.00 ml]. No significant difference in incidence of either temporary or permanent facial nerve injury was observed. In appropriately selected cases, compared with standard anterograde parotidectomy, retrograde parotidectomy is more efficient in terms of lower operative time and less blood loss, with no added risk to facial nerve injury