Facial nerve function after parotidectomy for neoplasms with deep localization

PURPOSE: To determine whether the deep location of a parotid gland neoplasm is specific risk factor for facial nerve paralysis after parotidectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 88 patients, including 59 with a benign superficial neoplasm of the parotid treated by superficial parotidectomy (group 1); 5 with a benign deep neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 2); 20 with a malignant superficial neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 3); and 4 with a malignant deep neoplasm treated by total parotidectomy (group 4). RESULTS: Temporary facial nerve paralysis developed in 10.3%, 20%, 10%, and 50% of groups, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Permanent facial nerve paralysis developed in 0%, 0%, 10% and 50% of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. CONCLUSION: The risk factor associated with nerve damage resulting from surgery for parotid neoplasms were malignancy and deep localization. However, the deep location of a benign tumor was not a major risk factor for permanent paralysis.