Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
[Facial nerve monitoring in the parotidectomy]
Y Pons1, P Clément, A Crambert
1Hôpital du Val de Grâce, Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, 74, Boulevard de Port Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France. pons.yoann@gmail.com
Introduction:
Facial palsy (FP) is a feared complication of parotidectomy. Facial nerve monitoring (FNM) has been poorly evaluated since it was created at the beginning of the 90's. The authors described a retrospective series and discussed it reviewing the literature data.
Subjects And Method:
From January 2002 to January 2009, 75 parotidectomies were performed in 72 patients (34 males, 38 females), without FNM in 28 cases (group 1) and with FNM in 47 cases (group 2).
Results:
In group 1, 9 FP were noted, 5 were transient and 4 were definitive. In group 2, 12 FP were noted, 9 were transient and 3 were definitive. Both one month and six months after parotidectomy, the FP rate was significatively higher in group 1 than in group 2 for the reoperations.
Conclusions:
Facial nerve monitoring is an adjunctive method available to a surgeon during parotid surgery to assist with the functional preservation of the facial nerve. It did not allow to improve the facial prognosis in benign tumours removal but it improved the facial prognosis in reoperations. Its interest should be tested for malignant tumour removal.
