Functional superficial parotidectomy.

PURPOSE: To clinically test a new type of parotid surgery termed functional superficial parotidectomy (FSP) to preserve the function of the residual gland.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Sixteen human parotid specimens were dissected, and 19 patients underwent FSP.

RESULTS

It was shown that 91.4% of the main parotid ducts were found deep to the surface of the facial nerve. Physical examination, sialography, and scintigraphy showed that function of the residual gland was well preserved by FSP.

CONCLUSION

A comparison of the main complications between FSP and conservative superficial parotidectomy showed a significant decrease (P < .01) of Frey's syndrome with FSP.