FREQUENCY OF FACIAL NERVE PLASY AFTER PAROTIDECTOMY FOR PAROTID GLAND TUMORS. OUR EXPERIENCE

 Background: Facial nerve palsy is a well-known complication after parotidectomy, with varying reported incidence rates in the literature. Understanding the incidence and factors contributing to FNP is crucial for optimizing patient care and surgical outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients who underwent parotidectomy at the Services Institute of Medical Science/Services Hospital Lahore over 36 months from July 2021 to June 2024. Demographic data, preoperative pathology reports, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes, including FNP and parotid fistula incidence and severity, were analyzed. The mean age of the cohort was 40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.6:1. Fine needle aspiration revealed benign pathology in 82.5% of cases, with superficial parotidectomy being the most common surgical approach (93.2%). Postoperatively, FNP was observed in 32.2% of cases, with transient paralysis in 62.5% and permanent in 16.8%. FNP .and parotid fistula was seen in 7.6% .This study provides valuable insights into the incidence and severity of FNP and PF following parotidectomy. Despite efforts to standardize surgical techniques, persistent paralysis remains a significant concern