The investigators conducted a prospective study of 132 patients undergoing benign parotid surgery at our department. Their primary objective was to analyze the incidence of and contributing factors associated with temporary and permanent postoperative facial palsy with strictly standardized methods in facial nerve function evaluation. Also other complications occurring within 12 months of operation were recorded.

Patients who underwent parotid surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, between September 2011 and November 2012 were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were age under 18, suspicion of malignancy or facial schwannoma, a tumor extending into the parapharyngeal space, and previous parotid surgery exposing facial nerve.

Inclusion Criteria:

• parotid gland tumour surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• age under 18
• suspicion of malignancy or facial schwannoma
• a tumor extending into the parapharyngeal space
• previous parotid surgery exposing facial nerve

Patients who underwent parotid surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, between September 2011 and November 2012 were prospectively enrolled