[Subtotal parotidectomy for a parotid gland tumour in two players of wind instruments, with preservation of facial nerve function].

Two professional musicians, a 55-year-old clarinet player and a 58-year-old trumpet player, presented to the surgical outpatient clinic with a Warthin's tumour and a pleomorphic adenoma in the deep lobe of the parotid gland, respectively. The several branches of the facial nerve form the virtual plane between the superficial and deep lobes of the parotid gland. Due to the localisation of this nerve, parotid surgery entails a significant risk of neurapraxia of the facial nerve branches. Before the operation, both patients were informed carefully about both the necessity and the risks of surgical excision of parotid tumours. Even slight damage to the facial nerve during parotidectomy could have severe implications for their careers. Both underwent subtotal parotidectomy. Postoperatively, there was clinically a temporary minor marginal branch dysfunction in one patient. Pre- and postoperative electromyography did not indicate asymmetrical function of the facial muscles. A few weeks after the operations, both musicians could resume playing; subtotal parotidectomy can apparently be safely performed in players of wind instruments.