Abstract
Objective
(1)To determine if a post-parotidectomy sialocele occurs at a higher incidence with a partial superficial parotidectomy compared to a near complete parotidectomy; both with facial nerve dissection. (2)To determine if needle aspiration vs. observation yields more persistant sialoceles beyond 4 weeks.
Methods
Retrospective, single surgeon, single institution study comparing 100 consecutive partial superficial parotidectomy procedures and 20 consecutive near-total parotidectomy procedures for formation of post-operative sialocele. Study period 2004–2007. The first 18 sialoceles were treated with one or more needle aspirations. The last 21 sialoceles were treated with observation and no needle aspiration. Antibiotics were not used beyond the first week of surgery in either group. Chi Square analysis was performed.
Results
There were 39 sialoceles in the partial superficial parotidecotomy group (39/100–39%) and none in the near-total parotidectomy group (0/20–0%). (p<0.05). All sialoceles resolved by the end of the fourth post-operative week whether aspirated or not aspirated.
Conclusions
Sialoceles are common post-partial superficial parotidectomy and did not occur after near-total parotidectomy. Patients should be advised in the pre-operative counseling period of this possible event after partial superficial parotidectomy. Sialoceles after parotidectomy can generally be treated by observation. Needle aspiration and antibiotics are optional.
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