Clinical utilization of veiled incision and sternocleidomastoid flap in parotidectomy of parotid benign tumors

PURPOSE: To describe a modified technique of parotidectomy using face-lift approach and sternocleidomastoid flap. METHODS: Forty-six patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (23 cases) using veiled incision and sternocleidomastoid flap, group 2 (23 cases) using traditional incision (Blair’s approach) without sternocleidomastoid flap. Postoperative complications included temporary facial paralysis and salivary fistula. The follow-up period was 2 years, oncological recurrence was compared between the two groups. The incidence of Frey’s syndrome and the feeling of the region around the auricular lobule were evaluated. The data was analyzed using SPSS10.0 software package with Student’s t test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: During the follow up period, the patients in the group 1 showed better aesthetic results than those in the group 2 and without obvious scar and deformity. There was no significant difference between these two groups in temporary facial paralysis, salivary fistula, tumor recurrence, Frey’s syndrome, the feeling of the region around the auricular lobule. CONCLUSION: The modified technique of parotidectomy using veiled incision and sternocleidomastoid flap greatly reduces the disadvantages of traditional parotidectomy and provides better aesthetic results. Supported by Science and Technology Projects of Shanxi Province (Grant No.2009K17-03),Science Project of Education Department of Shanxi Province(09Jk712) and Foundation of Xi’an Science and Technology Projects[Grant No.SF08008-(4), SF09030(4)].