Pathological changes of ultrastructure in facial nucleus after parotidectomy

Objective:To observe the effect of parotidectomy and dissecting facial nerve on facial nucleus.Methods:Healthy rabbits were used for parotidectomy.Capillary net on the facial nerve was protected on the experimented side when excising parotid glands and dissecting facial nerve under surgical microscope.The same operation was performed on the control side,but the capillary net was damaged.The facial nucleus in brain was taken out and observed under transmission electron microscope at 2,3 and 4 weeks after parotidectomy.Results:On the experimental side,the ultrastructure of facial nucleus of three groups were normal after operation,while pathological changes were easily observed on the control side.Conclusion:Capillary net damage can lead to obvious ultrastructural changes of facial nucleus and may be a reason for facial paralysis after parotidectomy.