Superficial parotidectomy an excellent procedure in the management of benign parotid tumors - outcome of various complications and tumor recurrence

Background: The majority of parotid masses are benign pleomorphic adenomas that rarely recur, leaving a large group of patients healthy after their parotid surgery. Nearly, 80–90% of salivary gland tumors occur in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, and the vast majority of them are benign. The optimal treatment for benign parotid tumors, of which pleomorphic adenomas is the most common is superficial parotidectomy with dissection and preservation of the facial nerve. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative complications and tumor recurrence following superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study conducted of all patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy in a General Surgical Unit of the Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, between December 2013 and December 2014. Materials and Methods: The records of 17 patients were analyzed in detail with regard to the complications and tumor recurrence that followed the operation of superficial parotidectomy. Data regarding age, gender and histology were also included in the study. Patients had all been chosen from the out-patient department on the basis of clinical presentation of swelling over the parotid region. The location of the tumor and diagnosis was confirmed in every case by advising ultrasound of the parotid region and/or computed tomography scan along with fine needle aspiration cytology of the swelling. All data were meticulously entered in a previously prepared proforma for this purpose. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Results: Twelve (70.5%) patients were male and 5 (29.5%) female, with ages ranging from 21 to 65 with a mean age of 38.2. There were 16 pleomorphic adenomas 94.1% and 1 adenolymphoma. Partial or temporary facial nerve damage was seen in six patients at 35.3%. At 6 months follow-up, however, recovery was complete, and we had no permanent facial nerve damage. Of 17 patients, 10 (58.9%) complained of numbness of the ear lobule which gradually improved with time. None of our patients had an infection, permanent facial weakness, or tumor recurrence. However, it should be stressed that Goa is a small state and due to the small number of cases in the study, it could be labeled more as a personal one. Conclusions: Superficial parotidectomy is a safe operation if performed with attention to detail, meticulous gentle dissection and avoidance of direct trauma or stretches to the nerve to prevent facial weakness