Background: Conventional incisions for parotidectomy heal with a hardly discernible scar, which can cause long-term psychosocial difficulties for patients. A minimally invasive method was the best option, when the parotid tumor was mobile, superficially and small in size, contain the preauricular and postauricular incisions without upper cervical or hairline incisions, which shorten the scar, dissection and improves the aesthetic results.
Aim of the study: To evaluate a minimally invasive approach of parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors regarding aesthetics, facial nerve weakness, numbness of the ear, and time of operation.
Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study included 10 patients with benign parotid lesions treated with a minimally invasive approach via V-shape incision. Age, gender, histological type of the tumor, facial nerve assessment, the sensation of the posterior auricular nerve, operative time, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Followed-up interval include 1, 2, 4, 12and 24 weeks.
Results: Visual analogue scale for cosmetic satisfaction revealed 8 patients (very satisfied), and two patients (satisfied). Facial nerves were intact in 9 patients, while one patient's forehead wrinkles showed a slight weakening. PAN sensation showed hypoesthesia in 2 patients only. Mean operative time was relatively about 90 minutes.
Conclusions: Minimally invasive approach, is safe and practical for preserving the facial nerve and posterior auricular nerve, produce no scar on the face or neck marking a significant step forward in the cosmetic evaluation of parotidectomy with no significant complications. So, it turned out to be reasonable for the surgeon and satisfactory for the majority of the patients.