Prospective study on complications using different techniques for parotidectomy for benign tumors

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Long-term prospective data on complications following parotid surgery for benign neoplasms (BNs) are limited.
• This study represents the first prospective investigation into extracapsular dissection (ECD) for BNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence of postoperative complications, particularly facial palsy, after parotid surgery for BNs.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of extracapsular dissection (ECD) in reducing facial nerve complications.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection from parotidectomy procedures for BNs at a university hospital.
• Analysis of both transient and long-term postoperative complications, with a focus on facial nerve function.

Main Results:

• Immediate and 18-month transient facial palsy rates were 15.0% and 3.7%, respectively.
• Facial palsy rates varied significantly by surgical approach: 5.8% for ECD, 29.3% for partial superficial, 20.0% for superficial, and 44.1% for total parotidectomy.
• Risk factors for facial palsy included multiple/larger lesions, longer surgery duration, and surgical extent.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative facial palsy is a frequent complication of parotidectomy for BNs, influenced by surgical extent, lesion multiplicity, and operative time.
• Extracapsular dissection (ECD) shows promise as a safe surgical technique for minimizing facial palsy after parotidectomy for benign neoplasms.