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Updated: May 17, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid: formal parotidectomy or limited surgery?
Peter Zbären1, Vincent Vander Poorten, Robert L Witt
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Bern, Switzerland. peter.zbaeren@insel.ch
Background:
Optimal surgery for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid is controversial. In the present review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches after addressing the surgical pathology of the parotid pleomorphic adenoma capsule and its influence on surgery.
Data Sources:
PubMed literature searches were performed to identify original studies.
Conclusions:
Almost all pleomorphic adenomas can be effectively treated by formal parotidectomy, but the procedure is not mandatory. Extracapsular dissection is a minimal margin surgery; therefore, in the hands of a novice or occasional parotid surgeon, it may result in higher rates of recurrence. Partial superficial parotidectomy may be a good compromise. The tumor is removed with a greater cuff of healthy parotid tissue than in extracapsular dissection. This may minimize the recurrence rate. On the other hand, the removal of healthy parotid tissue compared with formal parotidectomy is limited, thus minimizing complications such as facial nerve dysfunction and Frey syndrome.
