Abstract:Objective To compare the effects of two surgical approaches on the protection of the mandibular marginal branch of the facial nerve in benign submandibular gland diseases. Methods A total of 134 patients with benign submandibular gland diseases who underwent primary surgery in Sichuan cancer hospital from December 2014 to June 2018 were chosen. Total submandibular gland resection was performed through two approaches. The mandibular marginal branch of facial nerve was exposed by approach 1,but not exposed and only separated on the surface of submandibular gland by approach 2. The incidence of complications of mandibular marginal branch injuries in two different surgical approaches was statistically analyzed (the follow-up time was more than 6 months), and T test was used for statistical comparison. Results Among the patients using approach 1, 2 cases developed temporary askew mouth and returned to normal after 6 months of follow-up.Patients using approach 2 showed no symptoms of askew mouth. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusions Both surgical approaches can effectively protect the marginal branch of facial nerve. It is suggested that beginners should strengthen the local anatomy of submandibular gland and facial nerve.