ABSTRACT
Another approach for larger benign tumours of the deep lobe of the parotid gland is total conservative parotidectomy (Figure 113). In this operation a superficial parotidectomy is performed, the facial nerve is carefully dissected out and the tumour is identified. The external carotid artery and the common facial vein which run through the deepest part of the parotid gland must be identified and controlled. The whole of the deep lobe is then removed, with great care being taken to conserve the facial nerve and its principal branches. Total conservative parotidectomy is probably not necessary for small, benign tumours of the deep lobe, but it may be essential in dealing with a difficult, large tumour.
