[Surgical anatomy of the parotid region. Current concepts]

Three zones of the parotid region situated in the cervicofacial area were studied. The bilobular architecture of the parotid gland, the relations between the facial nerve and the parotid gland and the cover plans are described. On the posterior border of the parotid there is a cleavage interlobular point where the facial nerve penetrates and can be dissected. Thus the facial nerve has four parts designated as retro, inter, intra and preglandular. The parotid gland and is surrounding capsula is covered by a superficial musculoaponeurosis and the skin. The musculoaponeurosis is used in cervicofacial lifting procedures and palliative treatment of facial palsy. It can also be used in certain situations (primary tumours of moderate size without capsula involvement) to fill retromandibular depressions after total parotidectomy.