Parotidectomies in benign parotid tumours: "Sant Pau" surgical extension classification

At present different options co-exist for treating a benign tumour of the parotid gland, which has led to some confusion about the extent of resection performed in each case. In an effort to improve this situation, we created a classification system to define the areas removed. We started using this classification in July, 2006, and this article reviews its applicability and usefulness.

We analyzed 44 patients who underwent surgery for clinically benign tumours of the parotid gland in our department between July, 2006, and December, 2008. In all resections, our classification was applied, dividing the parotid gland into five areas: I (lateral superior), II (lateral inferior), III (deep superior), IV (deep inferior), V (accessory).

The classification was easily applied and has presented no practical problem in the 44 patients operated. When analyzing the areas excised in surgery, the most common surgery was lateral inferior partial parotidectomy (removal of area II) in 47% of the cases. Lateral parotidectomy (removal of areas I and II) was the next most frequent, with 14 cases (33%). The remaining 20% was distributed among the other options.

Our classification system appears to be a simple and easy way to define the surgery performed in each case, which simplifies the description of the resection performed, even in unusual resections.