Variant position of the facial nerve in parotid gland

Rajesh B. ASTIK, Urvi H. DAVE,

Abstract

The division of the parotid gland into superficial and deep lobes by facial nerve has an important implication in parotid gland neoplasm. This plane is used in superficial or total parotidectomy to avoid damage to the facial nerve. During routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy, we found variably located facial nerve in the parotid gland of the left side. The main trunk of the facial nerve was located between maxillary vein and superficial temporal vein. It was divided into temporofacial and cervicofacial divisions. Both divisions crossed maxillary vein superficially instead of retromandibular vein which was formed outside the parotid gland substance. The operating surgeon should be familiar with this variation during parotidectomy to reduce the iatrogenic injury to the facial nerve.