Removal of benign tumor in the lower pole of the parotid gland through concealed incision in the retroauricular sulcus

Abstract

Objective To assess the safety and feasibility of incision in the retroauricular sulcus for removal of benign tumors in the lower pole of the parotid gland and to provide some ideas for aesthetic consideration of parotidectomy. Methods In total, 18 cases with benign tumors of the lower pole regions of the parotid gland were included in this study, including 9 pleomorphic adenomas, 2 myoepitheliomas, 5 Warthin tumors, 1 basal cell adenoma and 1 oncocytoma. Three months after the operation, facial paralysis and salivary fistula were assessed. A visual analog scale was used to score the cosmetic satisfaction of the surgical incision. Tumor recurrence was followed up 6 ~ 12 months after operation. Results In 18 patients with benign tumors the lower pole regions of the parotid gland, the tumor diameter ranges from 1.0 to 3.1 cm, with an average value of 2.5 cm. All patients experienced successful complete removal of the parotid mass with the minimally invasive retroauricular approach, and all wounds healed in one stage after operation. No serious complications, such as permanent facial paralysis and tumor recurrence, occurred 3 months after the operation. The patients were satisfied with the appearance of the surgical incision (aesthetic score 9.3 ± 0.4), achieving the expected aesthetic effect. Conclusion This approach is feasible and safe for most small benign parotid tumors located in the lower pole region of the parotid gland and in the posterior region of the jaw. The scar is located in the retroauricular sulcus, which significantly meets the aesthetic needs of the concealed incision for patients.

Keywords

• parotidectomy
• cosmetic incision
• retroauricular sulcus
• rhytidectomy
• concealed incision
• functional surgery
• parotid tumor
• facial nerve