Impact of greater auricular nerve sacrifice during parotidectomy on quality of life

Abstract

Background: Greater auricular nerve (GAN) sacrifice can alter sensation; however, the impact on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' QoL following GAN sacrifice versus preservation. Methods: Patients who underwent parotidectomy from 2010 to 2019 at a single institution completed two QoL surveys. Results between GAN-sacrificed versus preserved cohorts and short (≤ 1 year) versus long-term (> 1 year) follow-up were compared. Results: Of 404 patients, 67 with known GAN status completed the surveys. GAN-sacrificed patients more frequently experienced sensation loss of the lobule and concha than GAN-preserved patients (P = .042 and P = .041, respectively). Interference with daily activities or amount of regained sensation was not different based on GAN status. Short-term follow-up patients had a higher number of symptoms and affected areas than long-term follow-up patients (P = .014 and P = .002, respectively). Conclusion: GAN sacrifice leads to sensation loss of the lobule and concha; however, it does not significantly impair QoL.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life following parotidectomy for benign disease

“…We found that hypoaesthesia was perceived as the most significant long-term problem after parotid surgery followed by fear of revision surgery, whereas facial palsy posed a minor problem. In the literature, hypoaesthesia is described as the greatest concern of patients at short- (about six months) 7 , 10 , 12 , 17 , 20 and long-term (about two years) 10 , 19 , 21 , 22 after parotidectomy. Most sensory improvements occurred in the first six months after surgery 23 and after two years, when symptoms are either no longer present or have stabilised 24 .…”

Management Strategies of Benign Parotid Tumors

“…Through postoperative research, it was found that 85% of the patients who retained the greater auricular nerve felt normal in the operation area,while only 50% felt normal who did not retain the greater auricular nerve [29]. In general, preservation of the great auricular nerve can significantly improve the quality of life of the patients [30,31].…”