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Sensation loss after superficial parotidectomy: A prospective controlled multicenter trial
Author(s) -
Grosheva Maria,
Shabli Sami,
Volk Gerd Fabian,
Sommer Barbara,
Ludwig Laura,
Finkensieper Mira,
Wittekindt Claus,
Klussmann Jens Peter,
Guntinas–Lichius Orlando,
Beutner Dirk
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.24647
Subject(s) - hypoesthesia , medicine , sensation , surgery , prospective cohort study , parotidectomy , facial nerve , psychology , neuroscience
Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of hypoesthesia after superficial parotidectomy depending on preservation of posterior branch of the great auricular nerve (GAN). Methods This prospective, controlled, double blind, multicenter trial included 130 patients. The posterior branch was preserved in 93 patients (GAN group), and ligated in 33 patients (non‐GAN group). In 4 patients, GAN status was unknown. Included patients underwent sensory testing (TouchTest) and subjective evaluation at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Results Better improvement of sensation was present in the GAN group. After 12 months, 59% of the patients in the GAN‐group showed positive test results in the lobule, versus 24% of the non‐GAN group ( p = .013). Additionally, after 24 months, 71% of the patients in the GAN‐group showed a positive test in the antitragus, versus 31% in the non‐GAN group ( p = .045). Hypoesthesia equally limited quality of life in both groups (all p > .05). Conclusion Preservation of the posterior branch of the GAN led to significantly better improvement of sensation in the lobule and antitragus, and should be recommended during parotidectomy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 520–526, 2017