Comparative Study between Antegrade and Retrograde Facial Nerve Dissection in Superficial Parotidectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Facial nerve injury is the most dreaded and most feared complication in parotid surgery, many techniques were used for its proper identification and safeguarding. Aim: Is to compare both antegrade and retrograde facial nerve dissection regarding complications mainly facial nerve injury. Patients and methods: We had 2 randomly divided equal groups, 18 patients each. Group A had antegrade parotidectomy and group B had retrograde parotidectomy. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Results: Group B had shorter operative time 121±31.8 vs. 148± 22.27 min in group A. Also group B had a slight shorter hospital stay. Early facial nerve affection was less in group B 27% vs 33% in group A, and late affection was much more in group A 11% vs 0% in group B. Conclusion: Retrograde parotidectomy is a safe and easy technique with a high safety profile in parotidectomy for benign disease.