Is extracapsular dissection for pleomorphic adenoma rather a euphemism for enucleation jeopardising the intactness of the capsule

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to compare several surgical modalities with respect to the incidence of positive margins and focal capsular exposure of parotideal pleomorphic adenoma. Methods The clinical records and histopathological findings of all patients who underwent parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma between 2006 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Results 845 cases made up our study sample. The lesion was removed by means of extracapsular dissection in 577 cases (68.28%) and facial nerve dissecting modalities in 268 cases (31.72%). Our analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the examined modalities regarding positive margins (p=0.648) or capsule exposure (p=0.112). Recurrences were detected in 7/845 cases (0.82%) with a mean follow-up time of 82.3 months (6-183 months). Conclusion The choice of surgical method does not seem to have a significant effect on the incidence of positive margins or the capsular exposure of a pleomorphic adenoma.