ABSTRACT
Benign tumors of the parotid gland accounts for the majority of salivary gland rumors. Surgical treatment of benign parotid tumors requires complete removal of the mass with preservation of the facial nerve, but is a traditional conservative superficial parotidectomy with complete facial nerve exposure required for success? The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of benign parotid rumors treated by limited superficial parotidectomy versus the traditional conservative superficial parotidectomy with complete facial nerve exposure. All patients with benign tumors treated by the author were included. Fourteen cases were identified and treated with a median follow up period of 2 years [average 1-3 years]. Limited superficial parotidectomy was done on 6 patients. None developed facial weakness. Traditional superficial parotidectomy were performed on 8 patients. Temporary facial weakness developed in 2 patients and one developed permanent weakness in one branch of cervicofacial division of the facial nerve. Recurrence was not reported in any of both groups. Complete superficial parotidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of localized parotid tumors. Limited parotidectomy is associated with low morbidity and revealed significant clinical advantage in term of decreasing operative time, blood loss, and significantly reducing the volume of normal parotid tissues excised .There was no reported recurrence among either group. Preoperative investigation [including fine needle aspiration cytology] should be used selectively