Partial Parotidectomy as a Conservative Procedure for the Parotid Tumor

Tae, Kyung; Lee, Hyung Seok; Hong, Dong Kyun; Park, Hye Kyung; Cho, Seok Hyun; Lee, Seung Hwan; Park, Chul Won

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Most of parotid glands tumors, including pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor, are benign tumors. The method of surgical treatment for benign tumors of the parotid glands has not yet been rationalized. Even in the case of the most frequently occuring tumor, pleomorphic adenoma, the surgical treatments have been varied over the years, with superficial parotidectomy now being the most widely accepted form of the treatment. Conservative partial parotidectomy has been shown to be a reliable option with a successful outcom and a lower complication rate compared with the classic superficial parotidectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages of partial parotidectomy in benign parotid tumors by comparing it with the superficial and total parotidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Of the 84 parotiectomies performed from 1993 to 2001 at Hanyang University hospital, 31 were classic superficial parotidectomies, 14 were total parotidectomies, and 39 were partial parotidectomies. All of the tumors in this study were benign tumor, most of them being pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor. A retrospective review was performed based on the patient records and their continued documentation by the practice. RESULTS: Partial parotidectomy took less time to perform (60 to 270 minutes) and caused less risk of facial nerve injuries although it was not significant. The procedure also has its cosmetic advantages. No recurrence occurred after partial and superficial parotidectomy in benign tumors. CONCLUSION: Partial parotidectomy might be the reliable option for benign parotid tumors as it has the advantages of reduced risk of facial injuries, less operating time, and apparently no increased recurrence of benign tumors.