Feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted parotidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The object of this paper was to explore the feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted parotid tumour resection. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were used to search for all related randomised controlled trials or controlled trials (up to November 2019). The key parameters for assessment included 'Endoscope', 'Endoscopes', 'Cancer of Parotid', and 'Parotid Cancer'. To evaluate the feasibility and advantages of endoscope-assisted resection of parotid tumours, the data for each parameter were pooled, based on patients who received endoscope-assisted surgery and those who received conventional surgery. This meta-analysis included seven studies, involving 170 patients in the endoscopy group and 270 patients in the control group. The analysis using the pooled data showed that there were no significant differences in the operating times between the two groups; however, the endoscopy group had significantly shorter incisions and less intraoperative bleeding. In addition, the patients who received endoscope-assisted surgery had lower incidences of temporary facial paralysis and Frey's syndrome after surgery. Patients in the endoscopy group had greater postoperative satisfaction. Endoscope-assisted parotid tumour resection results in only a small, concealed incision wound and fewer postoperative complications. Therefore, it is promising for the surgical treatment of parotid tumours.