[A clinical retrospective study on modified parotidectomy in benign tumors of parotid gland]

A clinical perspective study was designed for patients undergoing a modified parotidectomy to reduce complications of parotidectomy.

110 patients were divided randomly into two groups; Group 1 (55 cases) was operated via routine surgical modality. Group 2(55 cases) was treated with preserving the fascia parotideomasseterica and great auricular nerve and partial parotidectomy. Tumor size, blood loss, operating time, temporary facial paralysis, tumour recurrence were compared between the two groups. The follow-up period was 2 years. The incidence of Frey's syndrome was clinically evaluated by Minor test (starch-iodine test). The feeling of the region around the auricular lobule was also evaluated. The data were analyzed using SPSS10.0 software package for Student's t test and Chi-square test.

There was no significant difference between the two groups in tumor size, temporary facial paralysis and tumor recurrence. Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 in the bleeding volume and operating time. The incidence rate of Frey's syndrome in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 by objective observation and Minor test. There was significant difference between the feeling of pro- operation and pre-operation in the auricular lobule.

The modified parotidectomy is a function-preserving surgery for benign parotid tumours, which improves the cosmetics, the feeling around ear, reduces the duration of surgery, and the incidence rate of Frey's syndrome. Supported by Research Fund of Science and Technology Bureau of Shanxi Province [Grant No.2005K14-G8(2)] and Science and Technology Project of Xi'an City [Grant No.SF08008-(4)].