Comparison of two transcutaneous approaches for the removal of impacted parotid stones

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the indications and treatment outcomes of two transcutaneous approaches for the removal of impacted parotid stones. Sixty-eight consecutive patients with impacted parotid stones underwent endoscopy-assisted lithotomy via a direct mini-incision or a peri-auricular flap. Clinical safety and outcomes were evaluated. Complete stone extraction was achieved in all patients. In the mini-incision group (52 patients), the stones were in the middle third of the main duct in 31 patients, at the hilum in 16, and in the intraglandular duct in five. In the flap group (16 patients), they were in the middle third of the main duct in one patient, at the hilum in seven, and in the intraglandular duct in eight. Salivary fistula occurred in five mini-incision group patients (9.6%) and four flap group patients (25%). The clinical outcome in the mini-incision group (47 patients, median 25 months of follow-up) was good in 28 patients, fair in 13, and poor in six (12.8%). The clinical outcome in the flap group (16 patients, median 84 months of follow-up) was good in nine patients, fair in five, and poor in two (12.5%). The direct mini-incision approach was found to be safe and effective for impacted stones in the middle third, hilum, and proximal third of the main duct, while the peri-auricular approach would be best reserved for deeper intraglandular stones.