Comparing Modified with Conventional Parotidectomy for Benign Parotid Tumors

PURPOSE: We conducted a study to compare the functional outcomes and surgical complications of patients with benign parotid tumors treated with conventional parotidectomy and modified parotidectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 99 patients who had benign parotid lesions and underwent parotidectomy using either conventional or modified parotidectomy. The operation time, cosmetic outcome, great auricular nerve anesthesia, incidence of Frey syndrome, and secretory function with the two techniques were compared. RESULTS: The mean operation time was shorter and the total complication rate was obviously lower in the modified surgery group (p < 0.001). In the modified surgery group, the incision was more cosmetic (p < 0.001), the sensory deficit rate was low (p < 0.001), and the sensory recovery rate was high, and transient facial paralysis and Frey syndrome were rare. Furthermore, glandular function was preserved in patients with a conserved Stensen duct. There was no tumor recurrence in the two groups during a mean follow-up of 29.8 months. CONCLUSION: Modified surgical techniques for benign parotid neoplasms significantly reduced the surgery time and improved the surgery outcomes compared with the conventional approach. This adds to the evidence to support the effectiveness of modified parotidectomy in selected patients with benign parotid tumors.