Minimally Invasive Approach for the Parotid Gland Neoplasm: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

Objective: Recently extracapsular dissection (ECD) for the parotid gland neoplasm have gained popularity, but the data about functional outcomes and complication rates are still limited and surgical technique is not standard. In this multicenter study, we have evaluated the safety, complications, utility and functional outcomes of ECD and necessity of drain requirement. Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective multicenter study and two tertiary academic referral centers were involved. Records of the subjects who underwent extracapsular dissection between January 2015 and January 2017 were reviewed. Demographic data, size and location of tumors, results of fine needle aspiration cytology, intraoperative adverse events such as capsule rupture or facial nerve damage, postoperative complications, results of definitive pathology, and hospitalization time of the subjects were reviewed. Results: A total of 37 subjects were included in the study. There were no subjects with permanent or transient facial nerve dysfunction in either group. No patient complained of symptoms of Frey syndrome. Seroma developed in two of 37 patients. No recurrence has been encountered during the follow up period (min: 36 and max: 72 months). Conclusion: ECD is a safe technique with very low complications rates according to our results. Even without facial nerve monitoring, ECD could be performed without any damage to the nerve, if surgeon is experienced. Preoperative evaluation is important and patients with small, mobile and solitary benign parotid lesions are good candidates for ECD.