U-shaped Skin Incision for Parotidectomy

Abstract

Objective: The facelift incision (FLI) has been reported to be a more cosmetic approach than the traditional Blair incision for parotidectomy. However, a long skin incision and a wide skin-flap elevation are required for the FLI. To overcome the disadvantages of the FLI, we have employed a U-shaped skin incision (UI).

Method: From July 2007, 79 parotidectomies were performed for benign parotid tumors. A Blair incision was used in 41 patients and an FLI in 25 patients. In the remaining 13 patients, a UI, which consists of pre- and postauricular incisions and curved incision around the lobe of the ear, was employed.

Results: In all patients with a UI, the tumors were located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. By contrast, 10 of the 25 (40%) patients with an FLI had a tumor in the deep lobe. The size of the tumor was significantly smaller and the time of surgery was significantly shorter in patients with a UI than in those with an FLI. The incidence of hematoma was higher in FLI than in UI (12% vs 0%). The incidence of temporal facial paralysis and salivary leak was comparable in both groups.

Conclusion: The UI is a safe alternative approach to parotidectomy for small benign tumors within the superficial lobe of the parotid gland.