Attitude Toward the Facial Nerve in Extended Parotidectomy

The facial nerve crosses the parotid tissue and considering the initial location malignancies can grow to engulf one or several branches of the nerve on different lengths or even the main trunk of the nerve, and removal of the involved segments must be performed together with the tumor. The functional sequelae following interruption can be quite debilitating for the patient, and reconstruction of the nerve should be performed whenever possible in order to ensure a good quality of life. The outcomes of the reconstruction are different depending on the moment of reconstruction and the chosen method. A wide range of reconstructive techniques are available and must be carefully selected in order to suit each case and ensure acceptable restoration of nerve function.