The role of partial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results and complications after partial parotidectomy vs superficial parotidectomy, as primary treatment of benign parotid tumors.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

A case-control study is presented on parotidectomy, comparing a group of 25 patients treated by partial parotidectomy vs a similar group of 25 patients treated by superficial parotidectomy. All patients had primary benign parotid tumors, were matched by sex and age, and had a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Independent variables included sex, age, medical history, intra-operative variables (surgical time, estimated blood loss, type of drainage, use of collagen), fine-needle aspiration cytology, computed tomography findings, and final histopathological diagnosis. Outcome measures were early and late complications, such as facial nerve paralysis, seroma, sialocele, Frey syndrome, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Partial parotidectomy resulted in less early and late complications than superficial parotidectomy, with similar recurrence rates. Temporal facial paresis was found in 4% of partial surgeries, vs 12% of superficial parotidectomies, a significant difference. Three months after surgery, only one patient has a persistent marginal nerve paresis. In contrast, sialocele was more common after partial parotidectomy (28% vs 16%), a significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial parotidectomy achieves less early and late complications than superficial parotidectomy, with similar recurrence rates.