ANATOMIC PATTERNS OF THE FACIAL NERVE IN PAROTIDECTOMIZED PATIENTS

Introduction: The main challenge of parotid surgery is dissection and preservation of the facial nerve. Many studies about its surgical anatomy, based on cadaver dissections, have been reported, but less frequently on patients undergoing parotid surgery. Objective: The current study aimed to study the diagrammed facial nerves and three morphological parameters. Methods: The clinical records of patients who underwent parotid surgery at a third level hospital in Quito, Ecuador were reviewed. The facial nerve was diagrammed after dissection, a picture taken, and anatomic measurements registered. Results: The most common anatomic branching types were I and III, and IA and IB, according to Davis’ and Katz’s classifications, respectively. Mean value of the angle between the anterior border of the mastoid process and the trunk of the facial nerve was 64o. Mean value of the length of the trunk of the facial nerve was 17 mm, and mean value of the distance between the stylomastoid foramen and the tip of the mastoid process, was 18 mm.