Rhytidectomy in Parotidectomy

Abstract

Objective: 1) Describe our results in a different surgical approach to parotidectomy. 2) Establish the indications to this approach. 3) Establish the incidence of postoperative complications.

Method: From February 2008 until June 2011 we analyzed 84 successive cases of parotidectomy performed with a rhytidectomy in our department.

Results: In 73 cases a superficial parotidectomy was performed; in 9 cases a total parotidectomy, and in 2 cases the resection involved the skin overlying the lesion. The histology showed that most of the lesions were benign. The duration of surgery increased 20 minutes on average if compared to the usual Redon’s approach. We found 23 cases of salivary fistula, solved in 6 days on average. Only 1 patient had a postoperative hemorrhage and needed a surgical revision. Twelve patients developed a facial paralysis, but it resolved in all the cases 6 months later.

Conclusion: Rhytidectomy can be considered a useful surgical approach in benignant parotid lesions. It allows a good exposition of anatomic structures and does not show an increase of surgical complications