Total Superficial Parotidectomy: Pros and Cons

Abstract

Background: Total superficial parotidectomy is the most commonly used approach in excising the tumors that affect the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, whether they're benign or malignant. The aim of the study is to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of total superficial parotidectomy for parotid gland tumors within five years of follow-up. Patients and methods: Nineteen patients with lateral facial swelling affecting the parotid region were included in this study. All of them operated under general anesthesia with oral endotracheal intubation, where Modified Blair Incision (lazy S incision) was utilized in all cases. Anterograde dissection with facial nerve identification was accomplished with total superficial parotidectomy. Results:  Fifteen patients had benign parotid tumors, and only four patients had well-differentiated mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Skin necrosis of the distal tip of the postauricular flap was the most commonly observed postoperative complication, it occurred in five patients; facial nerve weakness was observed in the another three patients. Conclusions: total superficial parotidectomy is an efficient, safe technique for benign and malignant tumors affecting the superficial lobe of the parotid gland with minimum postoperative complications.