Surgical techniques for benign parotid tumors: segmental resection vs extracapsular lumpectomy

In 80 patients surgical techniques for benign parotid gland tumor have been reviewed and evaluated. Segmental resection was introduced during partial superficial parotidectomy. The superficial lobe of the parotid gland was divided into four sections according to the distribution of the tumors. Total parotidectomy was applied to remove deep lobe and recurrent tumors, together with the superficial lobe, followed by retrograde dissection of the facial nerve. This technique was termed the hamburger technique. Furthermore, with a margin of normal tissue, extracapsular lumpectomy was used. Segmental resection is at method of extirpation by dissecting the facial nerve, whereas extracapsular lumpectomy is a method of extirpation by dissecting the tumor itself with a safety margin.