Superficial parotidectomy: Audit of 16 cases over 2 years

ABSTRACT

Sixteen patient underwent superficial parotidectomy at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore in Surgical Unit-II from January 1999 to December 2000. Male to female ratio was 11.66 while mean age was 34 years. On histopathology oncocytoma was 6.25 percent cases, Warthins tumours 6.25 percent, pleomorphic adenoma was 68.75 percent cases, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was 6.25 percent cases and adenocarcinoma was 12.5 percent. Preoperative facial nerve palsy was present in 12.5 percent of patient. Postoperatively facial nerve transient weakness was seen in 12.5 percent of the cases while permanent loss occurred in 18.75 percent cases. The cases of permanent loss were those of malignant disease. Good light, use of x2.5 loop, nerve stimulator, identification of facial nerve by anatomic parameters, good haemostasis and less traction are parameters to save the facial nerve from damage. The histopathological results of FNAC and postoperative tissue biopsy were identical pointing out towards the usefulness of preoperative FNAC in parotid tumours. Availability of intraoperative monitoring facilities for facial nerve can further improve results: