Feasibility of Using the Retroauricular Hairline Incision Approach for Benign Parotid Gland Tumors

Abstract

　The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the retroauricular hairline incision for resection of benign parotid gland tumors. Parotid surgery is commonly begun with a modified Blair incision, an S-shaped preauricular and submandibular incision that may leave a visible scar. As compared with this conventional incision, the retroauricular hairline incision has clear cosmetic benefits, because the incision was made along the postauricular sulcus and inside the hairline. We selected this incision for motivated patients suspected as having a benign parotid gland tumor. We performed 8 parotidectomies using this incision between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, in 6 females and 2 males, ranging in age from 44 to 82 years old. The indications were pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's tumor and lymphoepithelial cyst. In all cases, excellent exposure could be obtained using this approach. Although the surgical field was slightly restricted on the front side, a retroauricular incision approach under direct vision is technically feasible, and the facial nerves can be preserved. In conclusion, a retroauricular hairline incision can provide adequate surgical exposure and good cosmetics results.