Comparison of partial superficial parotidectomy and superficial parotidectomy in parotid pleomorphic adenoma

Objective To evaluate and compare the clinical results of partial superficial parotidectomy and superficial parotidectomy. Methods Sixty-one patients who underwent excision of the parotid pleomorphic adenoma between 1998 and 2004 were reviewed.Twenty-four patients underwent partial superficial parotidectomy and 37 patients received superficial parotidectomy. All patients were followed up for 3-9 years. Results Surgical complications(facial paralysis,Frey's syndrome and salivary fistula) were lower in partial superficial parotidectomy than in superficial parotidectomy, but the recurrence rate was not significantly different between the two surgical modalities. Conclusion Partial superficial parotidectomy could retain more parotid gland tissue,had less complications and can be the first choice for the treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenoma