Facial Nerve Graft in Parotid Malignancy / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Surgical extirpation of parotid cancer frequently results in sacrifice of the facial nerve. In each case when sacrifice of nerve is necessary, immediate nerve repair with cable graft is preferred. However, controversy continues over the effects of postoperative radiotherapy on facial nerve graft function. Six patients with parotid cancer who had extensive resection with sacrifice of the seventh nerve and primary autogenous cable graft repair were reviewed. Five of six patients had good to excellent dynamic function. Three of four patient who were treated with postoperative radiotherapy had good to excellent function. Immediate nerve grafting should be used even when postoperative radiotherapy is planned.