Extracranial Surgery
Parotidectomy
Parotidectomy is performed to surgically remove the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland. The facial nerve passes through this gland and may be injured during surgery. Facial nerve monitoring helps protect this very important cranial nerve.
Anatomical Structures at Risk:
- Facial nerve
- Cranial nerves III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII
Monitoring Modalities Used During Surgery:
Electromyography (EMG)
Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is performed to surgically remove all or part of the gland due to abnormal function and/or suspicion of malignancy. The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) courses immediately posterior to the thyroid lobes on either side and is at potential risk during this procedure. The RLN controls the intrinsic laryngeal muscles needed for vocalization and maintaining a proper airway. RLN monitoring can be performed with specialized endotracheal tube electrodes positioned at the vocal cords.
Anatomical Structures at Risk:
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Monitoring Modalities Used During Surgery:
Tympanomastoidectomy
A tympanomastoidectomy is a surgical procedure of the middle ear to remove an abnormal growth located behind the eardrum. During this procedure, and other surgeries of the middle ear, the facial nerve is at risk for damage since it passes very close to the middle ear cavity. Facial nerve function is monitored by means of facial EMG.
Anatomical Structures at Risk: Facial nerve
Monitoring Modalities Used During Surgery: Electromyography (EMG)
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