Partial parotidectomies: morbidity and benign tumor recurrence rates in a series of 94 cases

Review the methods available for parotidectomy. Describe the technique of partial parotidectomy assisted by evoked electromyographic nerve location and the expected morbidity and benign and low-grade cancer tumor recurrence rates from this modified procedure.

From 1983 to 1999 the author performed or assisted in 94 parotidectomies (79 partial), all done by a single specialty group and all using evoked electromyographic nerve location. The cases were surveyed by reviewing all the hospital and office records on these cases and tabulating the type and extent of surgery, pathology, postoperative problems recorded, and long-term follow-up.

Partial parotidectomy was elected in those cases of benign and low-grade malignant disease in which adequate tumor removal required a less than complete lobectomy or total parotidectomy. Heavy reliance was placed on proactive nerve location by an evoked electromyographic device with dissecting/stimulating hemostat. A retrospective review focusing on these cases was performed based on the patient charts and their continued documentation by the practice.

In 79 partial parotidectomies there were no documented facial nerve injuries and one incidence of recurrence of a benign mixed tumor and an acinic cell carcinoma, respectively.

Partial parotidectomy has the advantages of reduced risk to the facial nerve, reduced operating time, possible outpatient surgery, and no apparent risk of increased recurrence of benign tumors.