Application of modified incision in parotidectomy

Objective To evaluate the modified incision in parotidectomy.Methods Twenty-eight patients with parotid gland tumor were included in this study. A modified incision derived from facial plastic surgery was used for parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve as well as great auricular nerve. In case of malignant tumor of parotid gland, the modified approach was combined with the utility incision for parotidectomy and neck dissection. The follow-up study included the cosmetic effect of this incision and the clinical outcome. Results The modified incision healed uneventfully in all patients without salivary fistulae. One patient undergoing facial nerve paralysis but recovered 2 months after surgery. All the patients felt insensible earlobe after operation, but recovered 2 months later except for 3 patients whose great auricular nerves were cut off by accident during operation. All the patients were highly satisfied with this modified incision.Conclusion Parotidectomy can be performed well through the modified incision and good aesthetic results can be achieved with this incision.