Great auricular nerve preservation in parotid gland surgery: Long‐term outcomes. (13th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grammatica, Alberto; Perotti, Pietro; Mancini, Francesco; Bozzola, Anna; Piazza, Cesare; Nicolai, Piero; Redaelli de Zinis, Luca Oscar
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 125:Number 5(2015:May)
• Page Start: 1107
• Page End: 1112
• Publication Date: 2014-11-13
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.25025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives/Hypothesis</title> <p>To assess sensory outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in two groups of patients with and without great auricular nerve (GAN) preservation during parotidectomy.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Study Design</title> <p>Retrospective chart review.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The posterior branch of the GAN was preserved in 42 patients (group A) and sacrificed in 13 (group B). Tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities were investigated by dividing GAN territory into seven areas. Comparisons between operated (OS) and nonoperated sides (NS) within each group, and between the OS of the two groups were made. The QoL questionnaire was administered.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In group A, normal tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities ranged from 16.7% to 66.7%, 11.9% to 73.8%, and 21.4% to 81%, respectively, in different OS areas. Significant differences between OS and NS were found, except for the preauricular superior area. In group B, normal tactile, heat, and cold sensitivities ranged from 0% to 61.5%, 0% to 53.8%, and 7.7% to 76.9%, respectively, in different OS areas. Significant differences between OS and NS were found except for the preauricular superior (tactile sensitivity), and preauricular superior and helix/concha areas (cold sensitivity). Comparing the OS tactile and thermic sensitivities between the two groups, only the lobule area showed differences. The preauricular inferior area was different only for heat. The QoL questionnaire showed different hypoesthesia extension between the two groups. All other items were comparable.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Sensory deficits are commonly reported despite GAN preservation. Lobule and preauricular inferior areas showed differences in terms of tactile and thermic sensitivities, with better outcomes in group A. QoL seems tolerable despite GAN sacrifice.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25025-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Level of Evidence</title> <p>4 <italic>Laryngoscope</italic>, 125:1107–1112, 2015</p> </sec> </abstract>