OBJECTIVETo study the recovery method of facial nerve function and to compare the clinical effect after operation of parotid carcinoma, which invades stylomastoid foramen and peripheral bone in deep lobe.

METHODSThree operation methods were taken: (1) The tumor, parotid, invasive facial nerve and bone around the tumor were resected with transplantation of facial nerve. (2) Tumor parotid and facial nerve were resected without transplantation of facial nerve. (3) Tumor and parotid were dislocated from facial nerve, keeping the continuity of facial nerve.

RESULTSFor the first method, facial nerve function of 68.2% patients came back to the patients without facial paralysis before operation, while facial nerve function of 16.7% patients came back to the patients with facial paralysis before operation. There was obvious difference between them (P < 0.05). To the patients with facial paralysis before operation, the first and the second method were taken. The ratio of local control was 33.3% and 10.0% respectively. And survival for 5 years were 25.0% and 10.0% respectively. There was no obvious difference between the two methods (P > 0.05). To the patients without facial paralysis before operation, three methods of operation were taken. The ratio of local control was 77.3%, 48.0% and 33.3% respectively. And survival for 5 years were 86.4%, 52.0% and 41.7% respectively. There was obvious difference between the first method and the other two (P < 0.05). There was no obvious difference between the second and the third methods (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONFacial canal dissection in operation of parotid carcinoma with recovery of facial nerve can not only resect tumor completely, but also fit for development of functional surgery. It is an ideal method for surgery operation.