Applying Tumescent solution for preserving the facial nerve in parotidectomy

Facial nerve palsy is one of the most common complications in parotid gland surgery. This report evaluates the effectiveness of applying Tumescent solution for preserving the facial nerve in parotidectomy.

Prospective and descriptive clinical study on 34 patients undergoing parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. Before skin incision, 5-10 min, we injected 100-200 ml of the Tumescent solution into the surgical area. We recorded the surgical method, tumor size, length of surgery, pathological results and facial nerve dysfunction. All patients were followed for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months.

There were 14 patients with malignant tumors and 20 patients with benign tumors. The length of surgery lasted from 90 to 180 min, with an average of 126.8 min. The number of patients having temporary facial paralysis was 22 cases (64.7%), recovery time ranged from 1 week to 6 months, and no permanent facial paralysis cases were recorded. The clinical occurrence of Frey's syndrome was five cases (14.7%).

The application of Tumescent solution for preserving facial nerves in parotidectomy could minimize nerve injury and shorten the length of surgery.