Anomalous Course of the Facial Nerve Deep to the Retromandibular Vein：A Case Report

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2010;26(2):253-255.
Published online November 30, 2010.

Sang Joon Lee;Byung Kuhn Park;Phil-Sang Chung

후하악정맥 내측으로 이상 주행하는 안면신경의 해부학적 변이 1예

이상준;박병건;정필상

Abstract

Identification and protection of the facial nerve is very important in the proper operation of the parotid tumor. Posterior approach which finds main trunk of the facial nerve by surgical landmark such as tragal pointer, tympanomastoid suture, and posterior belly of digastric muscle is most commonly used. In case of posterior located tumor, inferior approach may be used, in which the retromandibular vein is followed from the neck and inferior branch of the facial nerve is located. In general, the facial nerve lies superficial to the retromandibular vein. But we experienced the anomalous relationship of the facial nerve and the retromandibular vien. We report this case with a literature review.

Key Words: Facial nerve, Retromandibular vein