Facial nerve stimulation and postparotidectomy facial paresis.

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the association of intraoperative facial nerve stimulation and postoperative facial nerve paresis/paralysis. Eighty-nine consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed for age, gender, size of tumor, tumor histology, and intraoperative use of a facial nerve stimulator. Facial paresis developed in 22% (10 of 46) of the patients who were stimulated and 22% (5 of 23) of the nonstimulated patients. These results were not statistically significant (P = 1.0000). There was no permanent paralysis in either group. The tumor type and size and gender and age of the patient did not affect the outcome. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative facial nerve paresis or paralysis between the stimulated and nonstimulated patients. Routine use of a stimulator is not necessary during parotid surgery because its use does not prevent or promote facial nerve injury.