Superficial parotidectomy: technical modifications based on tumour characteristics

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of partial superficial parotidectomy and tumour enucleation in the surgical management of patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid. Material and methods: A total of 62 patients were treated for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid during the years 1995-1999; 17 patients were treated with conventional superficial parotidectomy, whereas 42 patients were subjected to partial superficial parotidectomy. In three patients, tumour size and facial nerve proximity essentially resulted in enucleation of the parotid mass. In partial superficial parotidectomy, only the tumour-bearing area of the gland parenchyma was excised with identification of the main trunk and preservation of the facial nerve division that was adjacent to the tumour site with no need for more extensive facial nerve dissection. Results: There was no incidence of recurrence or facial nerve injury in our group of patients. The incidence of Frey's syndrome was 4.8%. (C) 2004 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.