Identification and Dissection of the Facial Nerve During Parotidectomy

Facial nerve injury during parotidectomy remains one of the most significant complications associated this operation. Preventing facial nerve injury begins with a detailed understanding of the extra-temporal course of the facial nerve beginning with identification of the main trunk at the stylomastoid foramen. Reliable anatomic landmarks are present which facilitate identification and preservation of the main trunk of the facial nerve and facilitate antegrade dissection and preservation of the facial nerve distally.