Modified partial superficial parotidectomy versus conventional superficial parotidectomy improves treatment of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland remains a subject of major debate. The investigators compared postoperative complications and surgical parameters between modified partial superficial parotidectomy and conventional superficial parotidectomy.

Methods: Clinical records of 129 patients were reviewed and analyzed for clinical characteristics.

Results: Compared with the conventional superficial parotidectomy group, the modified partial superficial parotidectomy group had significantly lower rates of auricular numbness, Frey's syndrome, and obvious facial asymmetry (all P values <.05). The distance between the primary tumor capsule and satellite nodules ranged from .06 to 8.48 mm, and the greatest distance between the primary tumor capsule and satellite nodules was observed in tumors >4 cm. Furthermore, satellite nodules were more common in tumors >4 cm than in tumors <2 cm or tumors between 2 and 4 cm (all P values <.05).

Conclusions: Modified partial superficial parotidectomy compares favorably surgically and clinically with conventional superficial parotidectomy in certain patients.

Keywords: Frey's syndrome; Parotid gland; Parotidectomy; Pleomorphic adenoma; Postoperative complications; Surgical margin.