Intraparotid anatomy of the facial nerve and retromandibular vein.

Fifty-four cadaver dissections of the parotid gland and the extracranial course of the facial nerve were made. In 52 out of 54 specimens dissected (96.3 per cent) the retromandibular vein was present and of significant calibre (greater than 2 mm). In all specimens the main facial nerve trunk or its major divisions were in direct contact with the retromandibular vein at the level of its entry into the parotid gland. This finding is discussed in the context of new developments in body scanning techniques and put forward as a potential adjuvant in the clinical management of lumps in the parotid region.