Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Unusual Relation of Facial Nerve and Retromandibular Vein in Parotid Surgeries: a Case Series
Raphella Khan1, Asef Ahmed Wani1, Ayaz Rehman1
1Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, SKIMS MCH, Bemina, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir India.
Abstract:
The relation between the facial nerve and the retromandibular vein is of paramount clinical significance during the parotid surgery for the protection of all the facial nerve branches as these two anatomic structures are always in close proximity. However, variations in the relationship of the facial nerve with the retromandibular vein, as presented in this paper complicate parotid surgery and increase the potentiality of unexpected bleeding and injury to the facial nerve injury. This study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. 4 cases with unusual relation of facial nerve and retromandibular vein in parotid surgeries were studied & included in this study. Out of 70 parotid surgeries which were performed, 4 variations of the retromandibular vein in relation to facial nerve were encountered. With a meticulous dissection the facial nerve branches were separated from the retromandibular vein without causing any injury to the neurovascular structures and functional deficit. Knowledge of normal anatomy of the extra cranial facial nerve and its relation with the retromandibular vein along with the probable anatomical variations leads to a safe parotid surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Veins of Upper Limbs
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...

