[Anatomic study of the facial nerve in parotidectomy]

To explore the course and anatomic characteristics of the extra-cranial section of the facial nerve, the authors carried out this clinical study in 120 patients undergoing parotidectomy by dissecting and measuring the facial nerve and its branches regarding its length, diameter and numbers. The results confirmed that the temporal branch is deeper and has multiple branches; the zygomatic branch is bigger, with consistent location and fewer branches; the buccal branch exhibits three patterns: 1. the upper and lower branches, 2. one trunk and 3. one trunk with two or three branches; the marginal mandibular branch is a small and superficial with two to three branches. The authors discuss how to locate the facial nerve accurately.