Facial Nerve Preservation During Giant Mandibular Tumor Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Giant mandibular tumors pose significant surgical challenges.
• Resection of these tumors can lead to injury of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
• Altered anatomy in giant mandibular tumors increases the risk of nerve damage.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old patient with a large left mandibular tumor underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction.
• Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring was employed during the surgical procedure.
• The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve was successfully identified and preserved.

Findings:

• The patient experienced no postoperative facial function impairment.
• Intraoperative monitoring facilitated the detection and preservation of the marginal mandibular branch.
• This highlights the importance of vigilant nerve preservation in complex mandibular surgeries.

Implications:

• Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring is a valuable tool for preventing marginal mandibular nerve injury during giant mandibular tumor resections.
• Careful attention to preserving the marginal mandibular branch is critical due to potential anatomical distortions.
• This approach can significantly improve patient outcomes by avoiding facial nerve deficits.