An animal experimental observation on facial nerve dissection by water-jet

Objective To investigate the application of the water-jet dissection method in parotid surgery by way of animal experiments, especially the degree of facial nerve injury. Methods Total bilateral parotidectomies with retention of the facial nerve were performed on 12 dogs. Facial nerve dissection of the experimental group (the left side) was performed by ERBE HELIX HYDRO-JET device. On the control group (the right side), traditional operation method was applied. The duration of operation was recorded. Facial paralysis information was observed and compared after operations. Results There is no significant difference in duration of operation between the two groups. The facial nerve paralysis occurrence in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P 0.05). Conclusion Water-jet in the use of facial nerve dissection on dog can obviously reduce facial nerve paralysis rate. It′s of worthy to be applied in clinical practice.