Anomalous relationship of the retromandibular vein to the facial nerve as a potential risk factor for facial nerve injury during parotidectomy

BABADEMEZ M. A., Acar B., Gunbey E., Karabulut H., Karasen R. M.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, vol.21, no.3, pp.801-802, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Abstract
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0b013e3181d84027
  • Journal Name: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.801-802
  • Keywords: Facial nerve, Parotidectomy, Retromandibular vein
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Finding and protecting the facial nerve are a challenge for the surgeon performing parotid surgery. The abnormal relationship between the retromandibular vein and facial nerve and its branches may increase the risk of facial nerve injury during surgery. In this clinical report, we have reported a 41-year-old female patient with pleomorphic adenoma undergoing superficial parotidectomy, and we have discussed a new variation of facial nerve-retromandibular vein relationship. Copyright © 2010 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.