[Preservation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the facial nerve]

Handling of the facial nerve during surgery for parotid cancer is relevant for the patient's long-term quality of life. In about two thirds of cases, the facial nerve is not affected by the tumor. In these cases, in addition to complete tumor resection, identification and preservation of the facial nerve are important components of a successful operation. If the nerve is infiltrated by the tumor, the affected part must be resected during radical parotidectomy. When possible, primary nerve reconstruction leads to the best long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes. Individual selection of the optimal treatment concept is based on clinical examination of facial muscle mobility, preoperative imaging to understand the positional relationship between tumor and nerve, and on the basis of an electrophysiological examination of nerve function. Intraoperatively, standardized dissection helps to identify and preserve the facial nerve. If radical parotidectomy is indicated, in addition to one-step reconstruction, preoperative diagnostic tests can help to plan postoperative adjuvant therapy. The aim of rehabilitation is restoration of facial tone, facial symmetry, and movement of the paralyzed face. Restoration of eye closure is of high importance. The surgical treatment of facial paralysis has seen many improvements in recent years. The present work provides an overview of the most recent advances in diagnostics, surgical techniques, and further possibilities for preventing damage to the normal facial nerve during parotid cancer treatment. Furthermore, the options for rehabilitation of the tumor-infiltrated facial nerve in the context of treatment of salivary gland malignancies are described.