Modified technique of submandibular gland transfer followed by intensity modulated radiotherapy to reduce xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Background: Xerostomia is one of the most common long-term adverse effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients. Contralateral submandibular gland transfer (SMG-T) before radiotherapy was shown to reduce xerostomia compared to pilocarpine. We sought to evaluate a modification of this surgery preserving the ipsilateral facial artery and vein to simplify the SMG-T.

Posterior auricular artery as a novel anatomic landmark for identification of the facial nerve: A cadaveric study.

Background: Despite preservation techniques, performing a parotidectomy carries a transient facial nerve dysfunction rate in up to 65% of cases and a permanent facial nerve weakness rate of 4%-7%.

Methods: The lateral aspect of the face and neck was exposed in 5 cadaveric heads (10 sides). The relationship of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) and the facial nerve was studied and recorded and descriptive measurements were taken.