A comparison between endoscope-assisted partial parotidectomy and conventional partial parotidectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the feasibility of endoscope-assisted parotidectomy with an ultrasonic scalpel.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to conventional (20 patients) or endoscope-assisted (18 patients) partial parotidectomy. Via retrograde approach, endoscopic and surgical instruments were inserted through two 20- to 25-mm incisions (retromandibular and postauricular).


RESULTS
The endoscopic surgery lasted for 108.61 +/- 11.86 minutes and the bleeding volume was significantly lower than in the conventional group. All 18 patients were satisfied with their cosmetic results; 14 patients (65%) were satisfied with the great auricular nerve preservation; only one patient had temporary facial paresis and salivary fistula. There was no tumor recurrence in both groups during the follow-up after 26 to 40 months) the endoscope-assisted parotidectomy group (median 30 months, range 26-40 months) and conventional group (median 32 months, range 26-40 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscope-assisted parotidectomy is a feasible technique. This procedure may serve as an alternative approach that allows a smaller incision.
Huang
Xiaoming
X
Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Zheng
Yiqing
Y
Liu
Xiang
X
Sun
Wei
W
Zeng
Liang
L
Cai
Xiang
X
Liu
Wei
W
Xu
Yaodong
Y
Zhang
Zhigang
Z
Huang
Hongzhang
H
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D004724:Endoscopy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013997:Time Factors; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy