To compare endoscopic and conventional parotidectomy in the management of benign parotid tumors regarding surgical outcomes, facial nerve preservation, operative time, postoperative complications, and cosmetic results, in order to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential advantages of the endoscopic minimally invasive technique.
Parotid gland tumors account for approximately 3-6% of all head and neck tumors, and nearly 70-80% arise from the superficial lobe of the gland, with the majority being benign lesions such as pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor . A considerable proportion of these tumors occur in the inferior pole of the parotid gland, where surgical management aims to achieve complete tumor excision while preserving facial nerve function and maintaining satisfactory cosmetic outcomes . Conventional parotidectomy performed through a modified Blair incision remains the standard surgical approach for benign parotid tumors . This technique offers adequate surgical exposure and good tumor control; however, it is associated with several limitations including visible facial scarring, potential facial nerve injury, Frey's syndrome, and postoperative sensory disturbances . In recent years, minimally invasive surgical approaches have been introduced to overcome these limitations. Endoscopic parotidectomy has emerged as a promising technique for selected benign parotid tumors. The magnified endoscopic view may facilitate more precise dissection and improved identification of facial nerve branches while allowing smaller incisions and potentially better cosmetic outcomes . Despite encouraging results reported in several studies, the available evidence comparing endoscopic parotidectomy with the conventional approach remains limited. Therefore, further prospective comparative studies are required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cosmetic advantages of this minimally invasive technique.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
Minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted parotidectomy performed through anterior chest wall approach for benign parotid tumors.
Conventional open parotidectomy performed through modified Blair incision for management of benign parotid tumors.
Department of General Surgery, Maxillofacial and Head and Neck Unit
Asyut, Egypt
Surgical safety and feasibility
Assessment of intraoperative and postoperative complications and conversion rate to open surgery.
Time frame: During surgery and up to 3 months postoperatively.
Facial nerve function
Assessment using House-Brackmann grading system.
Time frame: 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.
Intraoperative blood loss
Time frame: Intraoperative
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