BACKGROUND: The most common incisions for parotidectomy consist of opening or pre periauricular extended to the submandibular or cervical region. They can accompany themselves ragged scars, causing local skin deformities. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of parotid surgical diseases using periauricular incision. METHOD: Thirty nine patients with parotid tumors were reviewed. Pleomorphic adenoma (20 cases) was the most common disease followed by other benign tumors (9 cases), carcinoma (5 cases), parotid cyst (3 cases) and chronic parotiditis (2 cases). All parotidectomies were performed through a periauricular incision. RESULTS: The parotid tumors were removed in all cases without complementary skin approach. The incisions had good aesthetic result and almost imperceptible scars were verified after six months. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the operative scar. All patients complained hypostesia of the operative area during a period not longer than six months. Temporary postoperative facial weakness occurred after 28 operations and was permanent in three of patients operated on for carcinoma. Transitory ear discomfort occurred in 22 patients. Two cases of local infection were recorded. All of these complications have been described previously by other authors using other incisions and are mostly due to removal of the gland. CONCLUSION: Periauricular incision is a good and highly aesthetic option for surgical approach of the parotid.
Parotid neoplasms; Postoperative period; Complications
