Application of functional parotidectomy via retroauricular hairline incision in the excising superficial parotid tumor

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) in partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) by comparison with modified Blair incision (MBI). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 64 medical records for patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent partial superficial parotidectomy was undertaken (28 were in MBI group, 36 in RAHI group). Size and location of tumors, operative time, occurrence of facial nerve paralysis and Frey's syndrome, and cosmetic outcomes were compared between RAHI and MBI groups. Results: Compared with MBI group, RAHI group showed better cosmetic results for benign parotid tumors in mean satisfaction score(P 0.05). Conclusions: Partial superficial parotidectomy can be performed safely via RAHI in most cases of benign parotid tumors. Compared with MBI, RAHI for benign parotid tumorscan improve the cosmetic outcome, without increasing the operative time or operative morbidity.