Use of the facelift incision for excision of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in children

Abstract

Objectives: To present cases of pediatric periparotid nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis excised through a facelift incision in order to review the advantages of this approach to parotidectomy. We also aim to discuss scenarios in which to forgo the facelift incision in favor of a traditional modified Blair incision.

Methods: Retrospective series of seven consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy for nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis between 2013 and 2018.

Results: The series included three uses of the facelift incision and four uses of the modified Blair incision, which was specifically selected for cases of bulky lymphadenopathy anterior to the masseter muscle. All cases of Modified Blair incision involved circumferential dissection of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The facelift incision permitted complete removal of disease in cases located posterior to the masseter as well as neck dissection as inferiorly as level III. Post-operatively, temporary marginal mandibular nerve weakness was seen in all cases of Modified Blair incision. Scar widening was most notable in patients who required skin excision or dermal curettage.

Conclusion: The facelift incision offers a more hidden scar. This may serve as an alternative approach to parotid surgery in young children with nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis, except in cases of bulky disease anterior to the masseter muscle for which optimal exposure of the marginal mandibular nerve via a modified Blair incision is warranted.

Keywords: Facelift incision; Nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis; Pediatric parotidectomy.