Resection of accessory parotid gland tumors through a peroral approach with facial nerve monitoring

• Published in: The Journal of craniofacial surgery Vol. 18; no. 6; pp. 1419 - 1421
• Main Authors: Schmutzhard, Joachim, Schwentner, Ilona M, Andrle, Jan, Gunkel, Andreas R, Sprinzl, Georg M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-2007
• Subjects: Adenoma, Pleomorphic - surgery; Adult; Dentistry; Facial Nerve; Female; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Oral Surgical Procedures - methods; Parotid Neoplasms - surgery
• ISSN: 1049-2275
• DOI: 10.1097/scs.0b013e3180338477

Accessory parotid glands are an anatomic variation. Pathologic alterations, which occur in these tissues, are related to those found in the parotid gland. At this time, first-line therapy consists of total resection. In consideration of the delicate anatomy in this region, a careful approach through a lateral parotidectomy or a facelift incision is recommended. In this report, we give an account of a minimally invasive surgical alternative through a peroral approach with facial nerve monitoring. The histologically secured pleomorphic adenoma was completely removed. During surgery, a branch of the facial nerve was detected and secured with active nerve monitoring. We are confident that the peroral resection, supported by active and passive facial nerve monitoring, is a discussable alternative for well-selected tumors of accessory parotid glands.