Comparison of functional change in parotid gland after surgical excision of pleomorphic adenoma by two different types of parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the functional changes in parotid gland after surgical excision of pleomorphic adenoma by partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP), or conventional superficial parotidectomy (CSP).

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective study including 117 patients undergoing CSP or PSP was performed. The uptake rate (UR) and excretion fraction (EF) of the parotid gland were measured by salivary gland scintigraphy before the surgery, as well as at months 3, 6, and 12 after the surgery; ΔUR and ΔEF, defined as the UR and EF differences between the contralateral side and the operated side, were also calculated.

RESULTS

Either UR or EF of the operated side was lower than that in the contralateral side after surgery (P < .05). ΔEF and ΔUR values at months 6 and 12 were significantly smaller in the PSP group than those in the CSP group.

CONCLUSIONS

PSP is preferable for preservation of the functions of the parotid gland.