Minimally invasive technique of parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors

Abstract

To evaluate a minimally invasive technique of parotidectomy in treatment of benign parotid tumors. This retrospective review included 49 patients with benign parotid gland tumors. The modified technique included incision, flap elevation, facial nerve dissection, the great auricular nerve preservation and postoperative disposal. All tumors were resected completely. The operation lasted 1.5 approximately 2.5 h; the average length of incisions was from 5.5 cm to 7.5 cm, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. There were no permanent facial nerve injury, no obvious scars and no depressed deformity observed postoperatively. During the 6 months approximately 5 years following-up, no tumor recurrence was found. The minimally invasive technique of parotidectomy reduces the disadvantages of the traditional procedure, and improves the quality of operation.T.