Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Cervical Metastasis
Published on: February 20, 2026
Impact of extent of parotid resection on postoperative wound complications: a prospective study
Joel Tuckett1, Ronan Glynn, Patrick Sheahan
1Dept of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Background:
Sialocele and salivary fistula are common complications after parotidectomy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether extent of parotidectomy influences the incidence of these complications.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective study of 66 consecutive parotidectomies. Cases undergoing skin or bone resection or flap reconstruction were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on extent of surgery: group 1 (extracapsular dissection or partial superficial parotidectomy); and group 2 (superficial parotidectomy or more extensive resection). The incidence of postoperative sialocele, salivary fistula, and facial weakness was studied.
Results:
Eleven patients (16.7%) developed a sialocele, and 4 (6.1%) developed a salivary fistula. Group 1 had a significantly higher incidence of wound complications (p = .008), but a significantly lower incidence of facial weakness (p = .004).
Conclusion:
Less extensive parotid resection seems to be associated with a higher incidence of postoperative sialocele and salivary fistula, but is also associated with less postoperative facial nerve dysfunction.
