Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to propose a V-shaped incision （VSI） and to compare cosmetic incisions, including modified facelift incision （mFLI）, retroauricular hairline incision （RAHI）, and VSI, with the conventional modified Blair incision （MBI） in terms of complications and esthetic outcomes for the treatment of benign parotid gland tumors.
Methods: We reviewed the clinical data of 37 patients who underwent partial parotidectomy as the primary treatment for benign parotid tumors between January 2017 and September 2019. The patients were divided into the MBI and mFLI/RAHI/VSI groups. Operation variables and cosmetic satisfaction of matched pairs were compared between the two groups.
Results: Twenty patients underwent conventional MBI, five patients mFLI, seven patients RAHI, and five patients VSI. The external ear canal cartilage, mastoids, the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle could be visualized using VSI and therefore the tumor could be resected while identifying the main facial nerve trunk. The postoperative wound was localized around the ear lobe because there was no incision line from the posterior auricle to the mastoid process. We selected mFLI/RAHI/VSI over MBI for tumors that were significantly small and not anterior. The operation time and complications, including facial palsy, Frey’s syndrome, salivary fistulas, and wound problems, did not differ between the two groups. Reponses to the questions “Is the scar visible?” and “Do you want more esthetic surgery?” did not significantly differ between the two groups.
Conclusion: mFLI, RAHI, and VSI are safe and preferable approaches for parotidectomy, especially for tumors that are small and not anterior.
