bjectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability and value of great
auricular nerve (GAN) preservation on sensory recover), of supplied dermatomes
after superficial parotidectomy.
Patients & Methods: The study included 35 patients; 23 males and 12 females with mean
age of 51±10.2; range: 29-62 years. All patients presented by unilateral swelling in the
parotid region and underwent superficial parotidectomy. The GAN was identified at the
point just beneath the lobule (for branches identification) and at the point on the
stemoclienomastoid muscle beside the external jugular vein (for trunk identification). The
anterior branch is usually sacrificed while the posterior superficial and deep branches were
preserved. Touch sensation of ear lobule and the infraauricular area was evaluated using a
cotton swab and represented on 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS) with 0=no sensation
of the plima and 100= no difference in sensation compared to that of the other side. The
quality of life (QOL) after parotidectomy was evaluated using a similar VAS with 0=a
feeling of severe discomfort; while 100—no discomfort or difficulties. VAS scores were
• evaluated 2-weeks, I, 2, 3 and 6-months after surgery.
Results: Posterior branches of GAN could be preserved in 23 cases (65.7%) while the nerve
was thin and could not be preserved in 8 cases and was adherent and could not be dissected
in the remaining 4 cases, thus GAN was excised in 12 cases (34.3%). Mean VAS scores
showed a significant increase at each time of examination compared to the previous records
up to 3-months after surgery; but VAS scores recorded at 6-months after surgery were nonsignificantly
higher compared to that recorded at 3-months. Recorded VAS scores at 2, 3
and 6 months after surgery were significantly higher in patients with preserved GAN
compared to those with excised GAN. At 6-months after surgery, only 6 patients (26.5%)
with preserved GAN had sensation score of <50, while the other 17 patients (73.5%) had
sensation score of >50, whereas all patients with excised GAN had sensation score of <50.
Number of patients with preserved GAN who had high sensation scores was significantly
higher compared to those with excised GAN.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that preservation of posterior branches of GAN is
feasible and improves the outcome of superficial parotidectomy with significant
preservation of sensation of earlobe and the infraauricular area and improved quality of life. |
