Parotid Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Combined With Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring In Head and Neck Tumor

Abstract

Introduction: Most cutaneous head and neck tumors have a proclivity to spread via the lymphatic system and those sited in the upper face and scalp commonly drain to parotid lymph nodes. Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) allows the clinician to reliably harvest and then evaluate the first node to receive lymph drainage. Classically superficial parotidectomy would be required to retrieve the SN lodged in the parotid so limiting its utility. The current study utilizes a minimally invasive technique of parotid surgery that makes harvesting of the parotid SN a safe and reliable technique. Sentinel nodes procedure and facial nerve monitoring in order to protect the facial nerve.