Partial Parotidectomy Versus Superficial or Total Parotidectomy

Background: The treatment of benign parotid tumours has shifted from superficial or total parotidectomy to partial parotidectomy in the recent two decade. This study examined whether current surgical techniques improved functional outcomes after surgery for benign parotid tumours. Methods: twenty six patients were assigned randomly to superficial or total parotidectomy (13 patients) and partial parotidectomy (13) surgery. The latter consisted of modified facelift incision, greater auricular nerve preservation and coverage with parotid fascia. Surgical complications and parotid gland function were monitored during the hospital stay, and 1, 3, 6 ,12 and 24 months after surgery. The assessment was performed through: fin needle function, visual analogue scal and loss of function. Results: The overall complication rate significantly lower in the functional surgery group. In this group, more patients were satisfied with their scars and facial contours, the auricular nerve sensory recovery rate was high, and transient facial paralysis and Frey’s syndrome were infrequent (4 and 2% respectively). Stimulated salivary flow on the operated side decreased to 71·9 per cent after function-preserving surgery compared with 20·7 per cent after conventional operation. There was no tumour recurrence in either group during a mean follow-up of 24 months. Conclusion: Compared with conventional procedures, functionpreserving surgery for benign parotid tumours improved cosmetic, sensory and salivary functions, and reduced the duration of surgery and operative morbidity.