Evaluation of Salivary Function Post-Partial Superficial Parotidectomy

Parotid pleomorphic adenomas necessitate surgical intervention, with a growing emphasis on preserving salivary function post-surgery due to its critical role in maintaining oral health and overall quality of life. This study aims to evaluate a surgical method meticulously designed to preserve salivary function following partial superficial parotidectomy, utilizing Technetium-99m scintigraphy.

This single-center prospective cohort study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, between 2022 and 2023. The study encompassed 40 patients diagnosed with parotid pleomorphic adenomas, ages 20 to 64, undergoing partial superficial parotidectomy. The salivary function was evaluated using Technetium-99m scintigraphy three weeks post-operation.

Most participants underwent right parotid surgery (62.5%, n=25) instead of left parotid surgery (37.5%, n=15). The outcomes of the partial superficial parotidectomy indicated no complications during the three-week post-operative period. Saliva secretion rates on the operated side were preserved across the cohort. A significant difference in saliva secretion rates was observed between the operated and contralateral sides (P<0.01) for both right and left parotid surgery groups. No significant correlation was found between the time elapsed post-surgery and saliva secretion rates (P=0.48).

Our study demonstrated that the superficial parotidectomy technique is notably effective when focused on preserving the salivary function of the deep parotid gland. Not only does it maintain saliva secretion on the operated side, but it also boasts an admirable safety profile. There were no recorded complications, and duct preservation was achieved in most instances.