OBJECTIVE: Currently no data exist on what distance from facial nerve (FN) it is safe to perform bipolar cautery (BC) in parotid surgery, although frequently performed. METHODS: The degree of damage was measured using continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (cIONM, NIM™ 3, Medtronic) in 16 Wistar rats. Amplitude drop of at least 50% (A RESULTS: BC ≤30 W did not cause LOS (0/14 nerves). When applying 35 W, A CONCLUSION: BC up to 30 W can be safely applied up to 3 mm distance from FN. 40 to 60 W should be avoided and used only at a distance of over 6 mm from FN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA/animal study. Laryngoscope, 135:1120-1126, 2025.