The multiplanar analysis of the retromandibular vein in surgical planning for parotid gland tumors.

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of the multiplanar analysis of the retromandibular vein in establishing the position of the parotid gland tumor and its relationship with the facial nerve, together with the most common radiological criteria (facial nerve line, Utrecht line, retromandibular vein and parapharyngeal space variations) using the magnetic resonance imaging.

Study Design: Retrospective study SETTING: Tertiary Academic Hospital SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 128 preoperative magnetic resonances were analyzed to study preoperative tumor location (medial or lateral to the expected course of the facial nerve) based on comparison between the radiological criteria and the surgical findings.

Results: FN line had the lowest accuracy at 77%, whereas the retromandibular vein achieved 85% accuracy and the UT line achieved accuracy of 93%.