title: Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted parotidectomy: a new approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the benefits of a new approach, endoscopic parotidectomy through a postauricular skin incision by using an ultrasonically activated scalpel.
  
  
  METHODS
  An investigation of the outcome of endoscopic parotidectomy at a tertiary referral medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen operations for selected patients presenting with benign parotid tail disease were performed via minimally invasive endoscopic resection by a single surgeon (MK Chen).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 14 operations were successfully performed endoscopically, and no conversions to conventional open resection were necessary. The procedures lasted 60 to 160 minutes. Two patients had transient grade II facial paresis. The scars were almost invisible due to their concealed location behind the ear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted parotidectomy is a feasible method for treatment of benign lesions located in the parotid tail. The main advantage of this procedure is that the small operative scar is concealed in the postauricular area resulting in improved cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan. 53780@cch.org.tw
authors.forename: Mu-Kuan
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Cheng-Chuan
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome