S164 – Comparison of Endoscopic and Conventional Parotid Surgeries

Abstract

Objectives To compare the advantages and disadvantages between endoscopic and conventional parotid surgeries, and further evaluate the benefits of the new surgical approach - endoscopic parotidectomy. Methods From January 2002 to August 2007 in Changhua Christian Hospital, 33 endoscopic parotid surgeries for selected patients presenting with benign parotid tail disease were compared with one hundred 99 conventional parotid surgeries for the patients with benign parotid tumors by age, gender, wound size, operation time, complication, admission length, and medical cost, retrospectively. Results There is no difference between endoscopic parotid surgeries and conventional parotid surgeries in gender and age. For the wound size, the mean length of the endoscopic parotid surgeries is only 3.1 centimeter and the wounds are almost invisible due to its concealed location behind the ear. Shorter operation time and hospital stay are discovered in the endoscopic parotid surgeries. Less complication rates and medical costs are also found in the endoscopic parotid surgeries. Conclusions Minimally invasive endoscopic parotid surgery provides a safer, less costly, and aesthetic choice for the treatment of benign lesions located in the parotid tail. The advantages of this procedure include smaller operative scar with cosmetic results, shorter operation time and hospital stay, less complication rates and medical costs.