Facial nerve palsy as a complication of parotid gland surgery and its prevention.

The incidence of postoperative facial palsy in 73 patients who had under-gone surgery for parotid gland tumor is reported. Slight facial palsy occurred in 9 (14%) of 66 benign tumors but recovered completely within 3 months following surgery. However, in 7 patients with malignant tumors, 3 (43%) developed permanent palsy and 1 (14%) temporary palsy. The incidence of benign tumors depends on the tumor size and localization. However, the incidence decreased considerably in the last 6 years compared to the first 6 years. This is considered to be due to routine use of computed tomography with sialography and microsurgery during parotidectomy.