Superficial parotidectomy for chronic parotid sialadenitis: a case series and review of the literature

Abstract

To report the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic parotid sialadenitis treated with superficial parotidectomy, and to review the literature. A retrospective case series was conducted of all patients undergoing parotidectomy for chronic parotid sialadenitis at our institution between 2009 and 2018. Eighteen superficial parotidectomies were performed, resulting in complete symptom resolution in 17 patients. There was only one recurrence, of a milder form of the disease, requiring no specific treatment. Eight temporary post-operative facial nerve palsies and one permanent palsy occurred. Further complications included post-operative wound haematoma, seroma, Frey's syndrome, neuropathic pain and wound infection. Superficial parotidectomy is sufficient to control patient symptoms, avoiding the increased morbidity associated with near-total parotidectomy. The literature does not point to a clear difference in either the incidence of recurrence or the risk of a facial nerve palsy between the two procedures. Furthermore, the symptoms attributed to recurrence are often not severe enough to warrant salvage near-total parotidectomy.