[Preliminary application and outcomes of the single-incision 'axial' localization approach in fully endoscopic...

To investigate the feasibility and advantages of "Axis Coordinate Localization Method" combined with total endoscopic technique for parotid surgery. A total of 31 patients with parotid gland tumors who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2022 to August 2024 were included in this study. The cohort comprised 11 males and 20 females, with age of (38.9±13.9) years and a maximum tumor diameter of (19.34±6.89) mm. Among these cases, 93.5% (29/31) involved the superficial lobe and 6.5%(2/31) the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The "axial" localization method was utilized to plan the surgical approach: establishing a coordinate system with the earlobe as the origin, the surface projection of the parotid duct as the x-axis, and a perpendicular line through the origin as the y-axis. The incision type-pre-tragal, retroauricular groove, or postauricular hairline-was selected according to the position of the tumor's surface projection center within this coordinate system. All operations were performed using a complete endoscopic technique for tumor and glandular tissue resection. Postoperative facial nerve function was assessed with the House-Brackmann grading scale, while patient incision satisfaction, impact on work and daily life, and facial symmetry were quantitatively evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (10-point system).　All 31 patients successfully underwent the procedure. Short-term postoperative complications included temporary facial paralysis in 1 case (3.2%), periauricular numbness in 1 case (3.2%), surgical site effusion in 1 case (3.2%), and subcutaneous hematoma in 1 case (3.2%). All complications resolved after appropriate management. During follow-up, there were no instances of sialocele, Frey syndrome, incision infection, or tumor recurrence. Patient ratings were as follows: incision satisfaction (9.42±0.78), impact of surgery on daily life (1.32±0.60), and facial symmetry (9.29±0.78). The one case of temporary facial paralysis recovered 3 months after surgery. The combination of the "Axial" localization method and fully endoscopic technique demonstrates clear clinical feasibility in parotid tumor resection. This approach enables rapid and personalized incision selection based on tumor location, while the endoscopic minimally invasive technique reduces tissue trauma, improves cosmetic outcomes, and enhances surgical safety. It provides a new minimally invasive treatment pathway for patients with benign parotid tumors.