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Preserving the great auricular nerve in parotid surgery
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland District General Hospital.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Preserving the great auricular nerve during parotid surgery reduces sensory loss. This study found significantly less numbness in patients where the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve was saved.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Parotid surgery can lead to sensory deficits.
- The great auricular nerve (GAN) is often sacrificed during parotidectomy.
- Sensory morbidity following GAN sacrifice is not fully quantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sensory outcomes after GAN preservation versus sacrifice in parotid surgery.
- To evaluate the impact of GAN preservation on ear and mandibular sensation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 12 patients undergoing parotid surgery.
- Patients were divided into two groups: GAN preservation and GAN sacrifice.
- Sensory testing was performed at 3-month intervals for one year.
Main Results:
- Preservation of the posterior branch of the GAN resulted in significantly less sensory loss.
- Reduced sensory deficits were observed in the skin of the ear and the angle of the mandible.
- GAN sacrifice was associated with greater sensory impairment.
Conclusions:
- Preserving the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve is recommended to minimize sensory morbidity after parotid surgery.
- GAN preservation improves patient outcomes by maintaining sensation in the ear and mandibular regions.
- This approach offers a better functional result for patients undergoing parotidectomy.