Follow-up of parotid pleomorphic adenomas treated by extracapsular dissection

Utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in parotid pleomorphic adenoma diagnosis and management

PURPOSE

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), the most common benign tumour of the parotid gland, requires accurate preoperative diagnosis owing to its capacity for malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnostic algorithm for patients with PA and to assess clinical outcomes for those with different surgical approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of patients treated for parotid gland mass between 2010 and 2016. These had had preoperative FNAB and had undergone subsequent surgery.

RESULTS

165 patients had FNAB with the result of PA and the definitive histology confirmed PA in 159 cases (96.4%). On the other hand, in 179 patients, the definitive histology showed PA and the preoperative FNAB result corresponded in 159 cases (88.9%). The measured sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ultrasound-guided FNAB in the diagnosis of PA were, respectively, 88.83%, 96.23% and 92.31%. Most of the patients underwent superficial or partial superficial parotidectomy, followed by extracapsular dissection which was associated with statistically lower risk of facial nerve injury (P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided FNAB is simple, accurate and valuable in the diagnosis of PA and provides results that can lead to the choice of less invasive operative treatment.

Parotid pleomorphic and non-pleomorphic adenomas: a mono-institutional series of 512 patients

PURPOSE

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign parotid tumor, with a well-known propensity to recur. Many factors have been advocated as prognostic, but there is no consensus on how they affect local control. We studied how PA recurrence-free survival (RFS) may be affected by the most relevant risk factors in a time-to-event analysis, comparing them with those observed in a population of non-PA (NPA).

METHODS

Patients undergoing parotidectomy for benign lesions between 2002 and 2018 in a single academic tertiary referral center were included. A description of patients, tumors, and treatment characteristics was performed, highlighting differences between PA and NPA. Analysis of PA RFS and relative risk factors was also conducted.

RESULTS

Eight hundred fifty patients underwent parotidectomy for benign lesions, 455 (53.5%) for PA and 57 (6.7%) for NPA. Significant differences between PA and NPA were age at surgery, surgical procedure, and resection margins. Recurrence occurred in 3.1% of PA, with a median disease-free interval of 54 months. 2-, 5-, and 10-year RFS were 99.2, 98.5, and 93.9%, respectively. Age < 18 years (HR = 31.31, p < 0.001), intraoperative tumor spillage (HR = 6.57, p = 0.041), extensive pseudo-capsule interruption (HR = 5.85, p = 0.023), and resection margins < 1 mm (HR = 3.16, p = 0.085) were associated with RFS.

CONCLUSION

Patients affected by NPA were significantly older and treated with more conservative surgical procedures compared to those with PA. In PA, younger age, major pseudo-capsule defects, and surgical margins were the most relevant factors affecting local control. These results confirm the importance of an appropriate surgical management and long-term follow-up in PA.

Surgical interventions for management of benign parotid tumors: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

The impact of the extent of parotid surgery on postoperative complications has long been considered a topic of controversy. The aim of the current network meta-analysis (NMA) is to answer the following questions: (1) Does the extent of surgical resection of benign parotid tumors increase the risk of postoperative complications? (2) What is the best surgical intervention for treatment of benign parotid tumors that can provide an acceptable balance between tumor recurrence rate and other postoperative complications? A comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library was conducted to identify the eligible studies. The outcome was the incidence of tumor recurrence, facial nerve weakness (temporary [TFW] or permanent [PFP]), Frey's syndrome (FS), sialocele, and salivary fistula. The Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) accompanied by a random effect model and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were calculated using the GeMTC R package. Forty-four studies with a total of 7841 participants were included in the current NMA comparing five surgical interventions, namely enucleation, extracapsular dissection (ECD), partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP), superficial parotidectomy (SP), and total parotidectomy (TP). Enucleation showed the highest recurrence rate compared to ECD, SPS, SP, and TP. No statistical differences were observed concerning the recurrence rate when ECD, PSP, SP, and TP were compared together. There was an increased incidence of TFW and FS with the increase in the extent of parotid resection, while no significant difference was found when comparing enucleation with ECD and PSP. SP showed the highest incidence of PFP, and salivary fistula compared to ECD, PSP, and TP. The tumor recurrence rates in enucleation, ECD, PSP, SP, and TP were 14.3%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 2.8%, and 1.4%, respectively. The current NMA demonstrated that the risk of TFW and FS increases with the increase in the extent of parotid resection and that ECD and PSP can be considered the treatment of choice for benign parotid tumors, as both provide an acceptable balance between the incidence of tumor recurrence and facial nerve dysfunction.

Management of Salivary Gland Malignancy: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for practicing physicians and other healthcare providers on the management of salivary gland malignancy.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, pathology, and patient advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2000 through 2020. Outcomes of interest included survival, diagnostic accuracy, disease recurrence, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 293 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. Six main clinical questions were addressed, which included subquestions on preoperative evaluations, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate radiotherapy techniques, the role of systemic therapy, and follow-up evaluations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

When possible, evidence-based recommendations were developed to address the diagnosis and appropriate preoperative evaluations for patients with a salivary gland malignancy, therapeutic procedures, and appropriate treatment options in various salivary gland histologies.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Long-term follow-up after extracapsular dissection of parotid pleomorphic adenomas - A retrospective study

Introduction:

Parotid pleomorphic adenoma (PPA) is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm. Extracapsular dissection (ED) arose as a conservative surgical technique alternative to superficial parotidectomy to reduce complications.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who underwent ED for superficial, <3 cm, mobile parotid lumps (Quer I) between 2004 and 2008 were retrospectively analysed focusing on those with histological diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. A retrospective cohort study on 50 patients who accepted to undergo ultrasonography and clinical evaluation for at least 10 years since surgery was performed. Clinical data, surgical reports, and validated questionnaires for the assessment of complications, quality of life (QoL) and aesthetic satisfaction were analysed. Recurrence rate and complications after ED, with their QoL and aesthetic impact, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed setting α=0.05 as the level of significance.

Results:

Low occurrence of complications related to ED was seen. Overall QoL after ED was very good (range 1–7, mean 6,86), due to low complications incidence of complications and their low severity, as assessed by patients through Parotidectomy Outcome Inventory-8 questionnaire. Overall aesthetic satisfaction was high (range 1–10, mean 9,78). Aesthetic satisfaction and QoL was statistically related to onset of complications (P = 0.02504 and P = 0.001859). Tumour localization and dimension was not statistically related to onset of complications (P = 0.8207 and 0.7586). After a mean follow-up of 12.5 years, no recurrences were detected.

Discussion:

There is a lack of studies with a long-term follow-up after ED for the evaluation of recurrences and complications. Considering our results, the ED technique should be adopted as the first surgical approach for Quer I PPA without suspicion of malignancy.

Extracapsular Dissection in Pleomorphic Adenomas of the Parotid Gland: Results After 13 Years of Follow-up

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To assess long-term results after the treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenomas (PPAs) using different surgical techniques and focusing on recurrence rates and the risk of adverse effects.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 182 patients treated exclusively for PPAs at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2004. Thorough follow-up examinations over a mean period of 13 years were possible in 53.8% (n = 98/182). Tumors were categorized according to the European Salivary Gland Society (ESGS) system to improve the comparison of outcomes. After different surgical resection strategies, recurrence rates, postoperative facial nerve paresis (FNP), and incidence of Frey's syndrome were assessed. The follow-up period included clinical examinations and imaging of every patient in the treating department.

RESULTS

Of 182 patients, extracapsular dissection (ED) was performed in 29.7%, and other surgical modalities (OSMs), including facial nerve dissection, in 70.3%. After the long-term follow-up, 98% of all the patients (n = 96/98) were recurrence free. When recurrence rates were compared, no significant differences were noted (P < .331). ED resulted in significantly lower FNP rates compared to OSMs (P < .001). FNP rates significantly increased with size and location of the tumors according to ESGS categories (temporary and permanent FNP, P = .04). Surgical invasiveness corresponded to a significant increase in the incidence of Frey's syndrome (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ED was associated with the lowest complication rates, but not with a higher risk of recurrence, when compared with OSM in the long-term course. As ED can be performed in the majority of PPAs, it can be regarded as the treatment of choice whenever possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E445-E451, 2021.

Post parotidectomy facial nerve palsy: A retrospective analysis

Background &Objectives:

Transient paralysis of facial nerve is seen to vary from 15 % to 66 % in post-parotid surgery. The objective of this study was to find out the complications in post-parotidectomy with regards to facial nerve dysfunction since it is a vital structure encountered in parotid surgeries.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study through non probability convenient sampling technique carried from September 2010 to January 2019 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Dr. Ruth K.M.Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi. Clinical data were recorded from 75 patients and out of them 70 patients had undergone surgery with parotid gland tumours and were reported on the morphology, age, sex, surgical procedure and complications, particularly facial nerve dysfunctions. In most cases ante-grade technique was performed to identify the facial nerve, whereas retrograde technique was used in recurring tumours, and in difficult cases. The stimulator of the nerve has not been used. The nature or severity of Facial nerve dysfunction was assessed in terms of either it is, permanent or temporary, total or incomplete in respect to its branches.

Results:

Among total 75 patients; the mean age was 38.75 ± 9.26 years with male to female ratio of 1:1. Majority of the patients were diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma, i.e. 78.6% after which 12% were diagnosed as mucoepidermoid carcinoma. 88.6% of patients had superficial parotidectomy and 11.4% of patients had total parotidectomy. About 75% of patients had no complications. 5(7.1%) patients had complete facial nerve palsy. Damage to the mandibular, buccal and temporozygomatic branch was observed in 10(14%), 2(3%) and 1(1.4%) patients respectively.

Conclusion:

The most prevalent benign parotid tumour in this study was pleomorphic adenoma. After performing parotid surgery, it was predicted that the rate of complications related to the facial nerve injury was reduced as compared to the previous studies.

Superficial parotidectomy versus extracapsular dissection: literature review and search for a gold standard technique

Benign parotid tumours usually present as a slow-growing, asymptomatic mass in the pre-auricular region. Although they are uncommon, surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment due to the risk of malignant transformation in some benign tumours. Surgical techniques have evolved over the years, with superficial parotidectomy and extracapsular dissection being the current procedures of choice. There is currently no gold standard, and it remains unclear which surgical modality is the superior option. A literature review was performed in relation to the relative merits of each technique and to evaluate the reasons underpinning the ongoing debate. A total of 16 papers comparing the main clinical outcomes of the procedures were critically reviewed using the PRISMA protocol. Overall, extracapsular dissection indicated a reduced recurrence rate, facial nerve paralysis, Frey syndrome, and operation time. The superior outcomes following extracapsular dissection could be attributed to the less radical nature of the procedure. However, there were various limitations identified within the review that may have affected the results. Selection bias was the most significant, with patients assigned to the different procedures depending on the tumour size and location. Consequently, the debate continues as to what constitutes the gold standard of care for benign parotid tumours.

Extracapsular dissection versus partial superficial parotidectomy for the treatment of benign parotid tumours

The purpose of this study was to compare the complications of patients treated for a benign parotid tumour (BPT) by extracapsular dissection (ECD) vs. partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP). A comprehensive literature investigation was conducted by searching electronic databases. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies were performed to assess ECD and PSP for the treatment of BPTs with fixed-effects models. The outcomes analysed were transient or permanent facial nerve injury, Frey syndrome, recurrence rate, infection, and salivary fistula/sialocele. A total of 1641 patients from seven studies (1120 ECD-treated and 521 PSP-treated patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Transient facial nerve injury (odds ratio (OR)=0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11-0.71; p=0.008) and Frey syndrome (OR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.48; p=0.003) were less prevalent in the ECD group. The rates of permanent facial nerve injury (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.35-1.70; p=0.520), recurrence rate (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.02-1.75; p=0.14), infection (OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.07-6.67; p=0.76), and salivary fistula/sialocele (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.06-2.66; p=0.350) were similar in both groups. Although there was a trend that ECD showed a reduced risk for complications, the present results are not sufficient to conclude that ECD is more beneficial than PSP.

Parotid pleomorphic adenomas: Factors influencing surgical techniques, morbidity, and long-term outcome relative to the new ESGS classification in a retrospective study

PURPOSE

To assess long-term results after treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenomas (PPAs) with different surgical techniques, standardized according to the European Salivary Gland Society (ESGS) classification system.

METHODS

We analyzed ESGS categories, occurrence of facial nerve paresis (FNP), Frey's syndrome, histopathology, and recurrences. Surgical modalities were compared, differentiating techniques with and without facial nerve dissection. A strict protocol ensured a postoperative follow-up-period of more than 7 years.

RESULTS

205 patients were included. A complete follow-up was possible in 138 patients, 77 of whom underwent extracapsular dissection (ED) and 61 of whom had other surgical modalities (OSMs). ESGS categories correlated with the extent of surgery, significantly with the risk for FNP and Frey's syndrome, but not with recurrences. Recurrences did not differ significantly between ED and OSMs, whereas the risks for FNP (p < 0.001 each) and Frey's syndrome (p = 0.000) were significantly higher after OSMs in comparison with ED. Young women with a stroma-rich (myxoid) tumor subtype appear to have the greatest risk for recurrences.

CONCLUSION

ED is the treatment of choice for PPAs, if possible, resulting in similar recurrence rates but significantly fewer comorbidities in comparison with more extensive surgery. After the treatment of PPAs, a long-term follow-up is needed, including imaging.

Incidental finding of synchronous pleomorphic salivary adenoma and Warthin's tumour within a parotid gland

The presence of two histologically distinct lesions within the same salivary gland is rare. The majority of lesions detected in salivary glands are benign and unifocal. Ultrasound scans and MRI imaging may not detect separate lesions that are in close proximity and this presents a challenge for radiologists and surgeons in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. We present a case when incidentally two distinct lesions were discovered during extracapsular dissection of a suspected pleomorphic salivary adenoma. We aim to highlight the difficulty in diagnosing these rare entities using existing investigative techniques.

Controversies in Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology

Imaging studies are essential components of tumor diagnosis, staging, assessing tumor response to neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, and postoperative surveillance on completion of definitive treatment. Treatment of early stage clinically node negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is controversial. Approximately 3% of all head and neck tumors arise within the parotid gland and most often within the superficial lobe, lateral to the facial nerve; about 80% are benign and most are pleomorphic adenoma. In patients with dry eyes failing multiple other treatment modalities and facing ongoing pain and loss of vision, microvascular transplant of the submandibular gland is a viable option.

Extracapsular Dissection vs Superficial Parotidectomy of Benign Parotid Lesions: Surgical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness Analysis

Importance

The clinical implications of extracapsular dissection over superficial parotidectomy are controversial and limited in data on cost-effectiveness.

Objective

To compare extracapsular dissection with superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors with respect to surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective medical record review and cost-effectiveness analysis performed from August 2012 to November 2015 at a tertiary care institution. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions were included.

Exposures

Treatment by extracapsular dissection or superficial parotidectomy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Differences in postoperative complication rates and health services outcomes, including procedure time, anesthesia time, length of stay, and charges for surgeon, anesthesia, operating room, and hospital.

Results

A total of 46 parotidectomies consisting of 26 extracapsular dissections and 20 superficial parotidectomies met criteria. Of the 46 patients, 33 were women. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 83 years. Lesion features were similar between groups with most being pleomorphic adenoma. Procedure time (effect size, -1.31; 95% CI, -1.93 to -0.65), anesthesia time (effect size, -1.37; 95% CI, -1.99 to -0.70), and length of stay (effect size, -0.66; 95% CI, -1.25 to -0.05) were significantly shorter for extracapsular dissection compared with superficial parotidectomy. Moreover, anesthesia (effect size, -1.55; 95% CI, -2.19 to -0.86), operating room (effect size, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.45), and total hospital charges (effect size, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.74 to -0.49) were significantly less for extracapsular dissection while remaining charges, including surgeon, showed no difference. Finally, facial nerve weakness, great auricular nerve dysesthesia, and other relevant postoperative complications were comparable between groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, extracapsular dissection is a shorter, less costly, and equally safe alternative to traditional superficial parotidectomy when treating benign parotid lesions. Further follow-up is needed to ensure these perceived advantages are maintained over time.

Benign tumors of the parotid gland: a retrospective study of 339 patients

AIM

Among 339 patients operated for benign tumor of the parotid gland: the recurrences and the postoperative complications rates were compared WITH those published in literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

About 339 patients operated: 274 primarily and 65 for recurrence or residual tumor.

VARIABLES

sex, age, surgical techniques, pre- or postoperative radiotherapy, histology, size and localization of the tumors, disease free intervals, recurrences and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

177 men and 162 women. Median age: 55 years and mean follow-up: 10.4 years. About 39 patients had adjuvant radiotherapy (11.5%). After primary surgery, four patients experienced recurrences (1.5%). After salvage surgery, eight patients recurred (12.3%). The recurrence rate was the highest among pleomorphic adenomas. Facial paralysis was more frequent after salvage surgery.

DISCUSSION

Recurrence rate 10 years later was lower after primary than after salvage surgery (p = 0.01). There was no relation between adjuvant radiotherapy and recurrence rate probably because the low rate of recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence rate after primary surgery is lower after superficial or total parotidectomy than after other surgical techniques. Pleomorphic adenomas have the highest rate of recurrences. Age and sex have no significant influence over the rate of recurrences. The most frequent postoperative complications are facial paralysis and Frey's syndrome.

Endoscopically assisted extracapsular dissection of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland through a postauricular sulcus approach in young patients

We evaluated the aesthetic outcomes in 11 young patients (mean (range) age 21.7 (16-28) years) who had endoscopically assisted extracapsular dissection of benign pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland through a postauricular sulcus approach. The tumours varied in size from 1.5×1.0cm to 2.5×2.0cm, and all were removed completely without rupture. The cosmetic result was excellent in 10 patients and good in one. Patients were followed up for eight to 40 months, and there was no recurrence. The technique is simple and feasible, and it achieves excellent aesthetic results in young patients.

Benign Parotid Tumors

This article reviews the epidemiology, embryology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and basic management principles for the more common benign parotid neoplasms. The various histopathologies are also discussed and summarized.

The Utility of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Open Pharyngeal Diverticula Procedures

OBJECTIVES

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk of injury during open pharyngeal diverticula operations. The utility of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during these procedures was investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 8 open pharyngeal diverticulectomies completed between 2009 and 2014. Intraoperative RLN monitoring took place during all operations.

RESULTS

Open pharyngectomy and myotomy was successfully performed in all cases. In two cases the RLN was encountered outside of its normal course. The identity of the nerve was confirmed with electrical stimulation and normal EMG response. Vocal fold motion was preserved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of intraoperative nerve monitoring in pharyngeal diverticula procedures may be beneficial, especially during open operations for Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) and large Zenker diverticulum (ZD), where the RLN is typically encountered outside of its normal course.

Charcoal Suspension Tattoo: A New Technique for Intraoperative Detection of Small Tumors of the Parotid Gland

OBJECTIVE

The current surgical trend in the treatment of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland is to limit the extent of resection. This raises the need to correctly identify the mass within the normal parenchyma so as to avoid dissecting the entire superficial lobe of the gland. We describe ultrasound-guided tattooing as a technique to facilitate identification and excision of parotid pleomorphic adenomas.

METHODS

We reviewed 23 consecutive patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided tattooing of the lesions with a charcoal suspension. Baseline tumor and patients' characteristics, major and minor complications, and subjective tolerance to the procedure were recorded. We assessed the number of intralesionally marked masses and the percentage of intraoperatively detected marked lesions.

RESULTS

The injection was well tolerated. No major complications were recorded. In 2 cases (9%), a transient increase in lesion size was observed. No other minor complications were encountered. Charcoal was found inside the tumor in 19 cases (83%). In 4 cases (17%), it was found in the tissues above the lesion. Twenty-three lesions were intraoperatively detected (100%) and dissected.

CONCLUSION

Charcoal suspension tattooing is safe and well tolerated for the detection of small pleomorphic adenomas during parotid surgery.

Tumor recurrence and complications of parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch as a landmark during the retrograde technique

PURPOSE

To investigate the recurrence of tumors and morbidity rates of postoperative complications associated with primary parotid pleomorphic adenomas treated with a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a landmark during the retrograde approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 71 patients with a primary parotid pleomorphic adenoma who underwent a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach between November 2003 and August 2012. Three surgical modalities were involved in the study: a partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in 8 cases, a superficial parotidectomy was performed in 54 cases, and a total parotidectomy was performed in 9 cases. The recurrence of tumors and the morbidity rates of postoperative complications, such as transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, salivary fistulas, and xerostomia, were investigated.

RESULTS

Tumor recurrence occurred in only 1 case. Overall, the morbidity rates for transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, and xerostomia were 22.5%, 1.4%, 39.4%, 59.2%, and 8.5%, respectively. No cases developed a salivary fistula.

CONCLUSION

The use of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach is a reliable and safe method for dissecting the facial nerve.

PRISMA-Extracapsular Dissection Versus Superficial Parotidectomy in Treatment of Benign Parotid Tumors: Evidence From 3194 Patients

Benign parotid tumor is one of the most common neoplasms in head and neck region. Its therapeutic methods have been debatable topics over the past 100 years. Recently, some surgeons suggest that extracapsular dissection (ECD) instead of superficial parotidectomy (SP) for treatment of benign parotid tumor. This study aimed to compare ECD with SP in the treatment of benign parotid tumors by a meta-analysis.We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science databases on February 14, 2015 for studies that assessed clinical outcomes of SP and ECD as surgical techniques for the management of benign parotid tumors. Outcome data were evaluated by pooled risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).After serious scrutiny, a total of 14 cohort studies with 3194 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled RR revealed that there were no significant difference in tumor recurrence rate between ECD and SP (fixed-effect model: RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.40-1.27, P = 0.249; random-effect model: RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.38-1.23, P = 0.197). However, there were significantly lower incidences of transient facial nerve dysfunction (FND), permanent FND, and Frey's syndrome in patients of ECD group compared with SP group.ECD might be a good choice in treatment of the benign parotid tumor that were mobile, small, located in superficial lobe and without adhesion to facial nerve; ECD should be performed by the experienced surgeons with ability of dissection facial nerve, who should perform SP if tumor is found adhere to facial nerve during an operation; and a multicenter randomized control trial study is necessary to decide the optimal treatment of benign parotid tumor.

Unexpected Detection of Parotid Gland Malignancy during Primary Extracapsular Dissection

Objective

To evaluate the oncologic and functional outcome in cases in which a false preoperative working hypothesis “benign parotid tumor” led to a primary extracapsular dissection being performed rather than a traditional, more radical surgical modality.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The records of all patients treated for malignant tumors of the parotid gland between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. Patients were excluded from our study sample for insufficient data or if their histories indicated manifestation of malignant tumors without primary parotid origin (squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas), revision surgery, as well as concomitant or past malignant tumors. Consequently, a total of 29 patients with 30 primary malignant tumors of the parotid gland formed our study sample (14 men, 15 women; male:female ratio, 0.93:1; mean age, 55.4 years; range, 14-85 years).

Results

Of 30 cases, 22 had low-grade tumors. Further tumor cells were detected in only the histology specimens of the parotid in 3 of the 25 cases treated subsequently with completion parotidectomy. Five patients received adjuvant radiation. Five-year disease-specific survival was 100%; local disease control was 96.6%. Of 30 cases, 28 had House-Brackmann I after tumor treatment; the other 2 cases had a slight paralysis (House-Brackmann II).

Conclusion

Beginning with the “false” working hypothesis and performing an extracapsular dissection in unsuspected cases seems to have no adverse impact on patients’ survival and postoperative quality of life in cases in which definitive histology reveals malignancy.

Meta-analysis of surgical approaches to the treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenomas and recurrence rates

INTRODUCTION

Different types of surgical management of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland are associated with different recurrence rates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review of literature until 2014 with meta-analysis was conducted. Inclusion criteria were original studies of patients with surgical management for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and recurrence rates, with a median follow-up period of 5 years. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOQAS) was used to assess the quality.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included. Four studies show a low recurrence rate (0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.00-0.02) after total parotidectomy. Twelve studies show a low recurrence rate (0.02, 95% CI = 0.01-0.03) after superficial parotidectomy. Six studies show a low recurrence rate (0.02, 95% CI = 0.01-0.04) after limited parotidectomy. Six studies demonstrate a low recurrence rate (0.01, 95% CI = 0.00-0.04) after extracapsular dissection. Five studies report a low-to-medium recurrence rate (0.08, 95% CI = 0.03-0.14) after extracapsular enucleation.

CONCLUSION

Information about recurrence rates, times of recurrence in relation to type of surgical treatment, and significance of capsule rupture is very poor. With regard to recurrence rates and surgical approaches, the types of operations that show the lowest recurrence rate are total parotidectomy and extracapsular dissection. Controversies over surgical treatment of PA of parotid gland remain, and the safest surgical method for the removal of this tumors has not been identified.

Salivary gland diseases in children

Salivary gland diseases in children are rare, apart from viral-induced diseases. Nevertheless, it is essential for the otolaryngologist to recognize these uncommon findings in children and adolescents and to diagnose and initiate the proper treatment.

The present work provides an overview of the entire spectrum of congenital and acquired diseases of the salivary glands in childhood and adolescence. The current literature was reviewed and the results discussed and summarized.

Besides congenital diseases of the salivary glands in children, the main etiologies of viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases and tumors of the salivary glands were considered. In addition to the known facts, new developments in diagnostics, imaging and therapy, including sialendoscopy in obstructive diseases and chronic recurrent juvenile sialadenitis were taken into account. In addition, systemic causes of salivary gland swelling and the treatment of sialorrhoea were discussed. Although salivary gland diseases in children are usually included in the pathology of the adult, they differ in their incidence and some­times in their symptoms. Clinical diagnostics and especially the surgical treatment are influenced by a stringent indications and a less invasive strategy. Due to the rarity of tumors of the salivary glands in children, it is recommended to treat them in a specialized center with greater surgical experience.

Altogether the knowledge of the differential diagnoses in salivary gland diseases in children is important for otolaryngologists, to indicate the proper therapeutic approach.

[Effect of a multifunctional instrument (HF scissors) in parotis surgery]

PROBLEM

Lateral parotidectomy is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a large number of instruments with a high frequency (HF) of alternating. Many functions, such as preparing, spreading, coagulating and cutting could be combined by using scissors with an integrated function of bipolar coagulation. This study has targeted an investigation of technical application, influence on surgery time, frequency of HF application and change of instruments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the period between 01 April 2011 and 30 September 2012 (18 months) 35 procedures of lateral parotidectomy in 35 patients were investigated. In all cases lateral parotidectomy was carried out with a similar technique (modified extracapsular preparation). Workflow data were used from a control group in the period between 01 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 (24 months). The following parameters from both groups were documented and evaluated: incision-suture times (subdivided into nine sections of the procedure), change of instruments, period of application for HF function and early facial nerve function (6 h and 6 days after surgery according to House-Brackmann). Additionally, in the HF+ group a questionnaire that facilitated subjective evaluation of instruments was analyzed.

RESULTS

It was possible to perform the surgery in both groups with neither technical nor surgical intraoperative complications. Incision-suture times showed an average reduction of 31.6 min (34.8 %) in the HF+ group. There was a reduction in the change of instruments compared to a conventional group (CONV) by up to 62.7 %. With the deployment of HF scissors there was a clear increase in the use of HF surgery by more than 100 % when comparing incision-suture times. Evaluation of both groups according to House-Brackmann showed a similar postoperative facial nerve function. The surgeons involved were of the opinion that in all 35 surgeries with HF scissors the intervention was easier and more comfortable.

DISCUSSION

The use of HF scissors is appropriate for parotid gland surgery and can be used in all steps of the procedure. Incision-suture time can be reduced and the ergonomics of the intervention can be improved. Up to now no negative effects have been found in the quality of the results.