OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of endoscopy-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy.

METHODS38 cases with benign tumors located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland were randomly assigned to receive conventional (20 cases) or endoscopic (18 cases) partial-superficial parotidectomy. Two short incisions, which were 2 to approximately 2.5 cm in length and located at retromandibular and postauricular area, were adopted for endoscopy-assisted surgery. The facial nerve was dissected through retrograde approach.

RESULTSThe tumors were successfully resected with endoscopy in 18 cases. The operation time was not significantly different between the conventional and endoscopy-assisted procedures (P > 0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was markedly lower in endoscopy-assisted group, compared with conventional group (P < 0.01). All the 18 cases with endoscopy-assisted surgery were satisfactory with the postoperative cosmetic results. The great auricular nerve was preserved very well in 12 patients (66.6%). Transient facial paralysis happened in 1 case and relieved 1 month later. Salivary fistula occurred in 1 case and recovered after dressing with pressure for 2 weeks. All the patients were followed up for 24 to approximately 50 months (mean, 39 months) without relapse.

CONCLUSIONSEndoscopy-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy can successfully treat benign tumors located in the superficial lobe of parotid gland with a better postoperative cosmetic result.