Impact of greater auricular nerve sacrifice during parotidectomy on quality of life.

Abstract

Greater auricular nerve (GAN) sacrifice can alter sensation; however, the impact on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' QoL following GAN sacrifice versus preservation. Patients who underwent parotidectomy from 2010 to 2019 at a single institution completed two QoL surveys. Results between GAN-sacrificed versus preserved cohorts and short (≤ 1 year) versus long-term (> 1 year) follow-up were compared. Of 404 patients, 67 with known GAN status completed the surveys. GAN-sacrificed patients more frequently experienced sensation loss of the lobule and concha than GAN-preserved patients (P = .042 and P = .041, respectively). Interference with daily activities or amount of regained sensation was not different based on GAN status. Short-term follow-up patients had a higher number of symptoms and affected areas than long-term follow-up patients (P = .014 and P = .002, respectively). GAN sacrifice leads to sensation loss of the lobule and concha; however, it does not significantly impair QoL.