Abstract: Objective: To compare the effects of dissection methods on the fanction of facial nerve in parotidectomy. Methods: 107 cases were randomly treated with anterograde (48 cases)and retrograde (59 cases)dissection methods. Operation time was calculated , and the ratio of facial paralysis and functional recovery period were observed. Results: Permanent facial paralysis didn’t happened in all cases. Operation time, the ratios of temporary facial paralysis and functional recovery period of the patients in anterograde group and retrograde group were 46.33±4.85min,14.58%,2.04±0.95 month and 42.51±4.23 min,33.90%,2.47±0.97 month. Operation time showed no significant difference, and the ratios of temporary facial paralysis and functional recovery period of the patients showed significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion: Using anterograde dissection method adroitly in parotidectomy may be a better choice to reduce the functional damage of facial nerve.

Key words: Parotid benign tumor, Superficial lobe of parotid gland, Dissection of facial nerve, Facial paralysis