Indications for Facial Nerve Monitoring During Parotidectomy

per 100,000 individuals for which the current first-line treatment of these tumors, whether benign or malignant, is surgical removal.1 The facial nerve is at risk during parotid surgery due to its course through the gland delineating the deep and superficial lobes, as well as its variable anatomic branching to innervate the muscles of facial expression. Transient facial nerve dysfunction can occur in up to 65% of patients, whereas permanent injury can be seen in 6% to 9% of patients.2,3 Depending on the degree and site of injury, facial nerve insult can range from mild weakness in one distribution of the nerve to full facial paralysis, which can significantly affect quality of life. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring has been described as a potential means to reduce injury and morbidity from parotidectomy. This article reviews