Extracapsular dissection via sternocleidomastoid muscle-parotid space approach-a new operative technique for treating clinically benign tumor in the parotid tail.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to introduce extracapsular dissection via the sternocleidomastoid muscle-parotid space approach (ECD-SMPSA) as a modified operative technique for removal of clinically benign tumors from the parotid tail.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study included 52 patients with clinically benign tumors in the parotid tail, and the patients were divided into 2 groups: one group was treated with ECD-SMPSA and the other with extracapsular dissection (ECD). All of the patients were followed up for at least 2 years.

RESULTS

The ECD-SMPSA group had lower incidence of subjective Frey syndrome (P = .03) and higher satisfaction with the cosmetic result after the surgery (P = .023) compared with the ECD group. All of the patients were free of salivary fistulae. Facial palsy (P = .234) and earlobe numbness (P = .291) were not significantly different between the groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

With careful preoperative assessment, ECD-SMPSA may be a more suitable approach for the treatment of clinically benign tumors in the parotid tail.