Sialocele formation after partial parotidectomy: Dependent on remnant parotid exposure

BackgroundThis study compared the complete closure versus the exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma in sialocele formation. MethodsThis study included 151 patients with benign parotid lesions who underwent partial parotidectomy plus the complete closure or exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma. Two surgical methods of closed or exposed parenchyma were alternatively allocated to consecutive patients without randomization and blinding processes. ResultsComplete closure and exposure of the remnant parotid parenchyma were performed in 81 and 70 patients. Early postoperative complications occurred with temporary events: transient facial weakness, 24 (16%); hematoma, 9 (6%); wound infection, 1 (0.7%) without statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.1). Postoperative sialocele was more frequently found in the exposure group (n = 15) than the closure group (n = 4; p = 0.003). ConclusionsThe complete closure of remnant parotid parenchyma is preferred over the exposure of injured parenchymal parenchyma to prevent postparotidectomy sialocele.

Automated summary

This study compared the effectiveness of complete closure versus exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma in preventing postparotidectomy sialocele. The results showed that complete closure of the remnant parotid parenchyma was more effective in preventing the occurrence of sialocele.