Pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland: superficial parotidectomy or limited excision?

Abstract

AbstractIn this retrospective study of parotid tumours. 57 patients with pleomorphic adenomas were treated with superficial parotidectomy and 33 patients with limited excision. The follow-up period has been 4–14 years. When the operation was superficial parotidectomy, recurrences occurred in 8.7 per cent compared to 6 per cent in cases of limited excision. Side-effects such as permanent weakness of the facial nerve or postoperative gustatory sweating were also more common when superficial parotidectomy was performed. The post-operative results observed suggest that limited excision under magnification is more favourable than superficial parotidectomy in the treatment of pleomorphic adenomas.