A meta-analysis of the pros and cons of partial superficial parotidectomy versus superficial parotidectomy for the treatment of benign parotid neoplasms

SMAS flap for extracapsular dissection of parotid gland tumors: is it necessary?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective article is to evaluate postoperative outcomes after extracapsular dissection for small benign superficial parotid neoplasms (<3 cm) in patients who received Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) flap and in patients who did not receive it.

METHODS

Two groups were created and statistically compared regarding Frey's syndrome and aesthetic satisfaction by data collected through the POI-8 validated questionnaire and through an aesthetic satisfaction scale ranging from 1 to 10. The difference between these two groups was the utilization of SMAS flap. SMAS flap was harvested in one of these two group, meanwhile was not used in the other.

RESULTS

The p-value analysis between group 1 and group 2 on these complications, resulted statistically not significant. Also, the aesthetic satisfaction resulted not statistically significant between group 1 and group 2. Gender, localization, and facial palsy resulted statistically correlated with the aesthetic satisfaction (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there is no statistical difference in the use of SMAS flap for benign parotid neoformations of the superficial lobe, with a diameter of less than 3 cm for which extracapsular dissection is adopted as a surgical technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

A PRISMA meta-analysis for diagnostic value of microRNA-21 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma along with bioinformatics research

OBJECTIVES

The use of miR-21 expression remains vague in diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic potential of the miR-21 expression in patients with HNSCCs through investigating and summarizing the results reported in the literature.

METHODS

Extant medical databases were examined for articles of clinical study assessing the miR-21 expression in HNSCC cases, published in the past 20 years. Bioinformatics research was also performed for finding miR-21 targets differentially expressed in HNSCC so as to present their biological behaviors.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis comprised 11 studies including 622/450 cases in HNSCC/control group. Forest plots displayed miR-21 which possessed significantly good specificity (0.76, p < 0.001) and sensitivity (0.80, p < 0.001). Diagnostic odds ratio was 2.46 (95% CI 1.87-3.24). Positive and negative likelihood ratio was 3.40 (95% CI 1.94-5.97) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.18-0.38), respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85.

CONCLUSION

This study is the highest level of evidence presently available in diagnosing HNSCC. This PRISMA meta-analysis indicated that the pooled results were robust, confirming the oncogenic potential of miR-21 that could be used successfully as a screening biomarker in HNSCC patients. Specifically, the overexpression of miR-21 in these patients presents a worse survival outcome.

Application of deep learning radiomics in oral squamous cell carcinoma-Extracting more information from medical images using advanced feature analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review with meta-analyses to assess the recent scientific literature addressing the application of deep learning radiomics in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic and manual literature retrieval was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, Ovid-MEDLINE, and IEEE databases from 2012 to 2023. The ROBINS-I tool was used for quality evaluation; random-effects model was used; and results were reported according to the PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies involving 64,731 medical images were included in quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis showed that, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 (95 %CI: 0.87∼0.88) and 0.80 (95 %CI: 0.80∼0.81), respectively. Deeks' asymmetry test revealed there existed slight publication bias (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The advances in the application of radiomics combined with learning algorithm in OSCC were reviewed, including diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OSCC, efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction. The demerits of deep learning radiomics at the current stage and its future development direction aimed at medical imaging diagnosis were also summarized and analyzed at the end of the article.

Comparison of conventional and endoscope-assisted partial clretain-->superficial parotidectomy for benign neoplasms of the parotid gland: a matched case-control study

Long-term tumour recurrence rates and complications of endoscope-assisted partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) are rarely reported compared to traditional open approaches. This retrospective study included 306 patients with superficial parotid benign neoplasms who were divided into an endoscopy group (endoscope-assisted PSP, n = 102) and a control group (conventional PSP, n = 204). There were no significant differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups, except age (P = 0.001). Three patients had confirmed recurrence during a mean follow-up duration of 125.1 months. Ten (9.8%) patients in the endoscopy group and 22 (10.8%) in the control group developed transient facial nerve palsy (P = 0.792), and recovered 6 months after the operation. Nine (8.8%) and 19 (9.3%) patients, respectively, suffered from Frey syndrome (P = 0.889). A sensory deficit of the auricle occurred in 24 (23.5%) and 57 (27.9%) patients respectively (P = 0.410). Patients in the endoscopy group were more satisfied with the postoperative scar than those in the control group (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the endoscope-assisted PSP can be curative, with better cosmetic outcomes than the conventional approach, and does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications or the local recurrence rate.

Partial superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: Early post-operative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

There has been historical controversy regarding the extent of resection in the management of pleomorphic adenomas. This study aims to evaluate the extent of surgery and short-term postoperative outcomes of partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) for the management of pleomorphic adenomas at a tertiary, high-volume center.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent PSP was performed. Variables included demographics, pre-operative facial nerve function, operative techniques, postoperative complications/facial nerve function, and recurrence.

RESULTS

151 adults who underwent PSP for pleomorphic adenoma from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2022 were identified. Median age was 55 (IQR 40-66) years with females representing 74 % of the cohort. Median tumor size at presentation was 1.8 (IQR 1.3-2.3) cm. Baseline facial nerve function was excellent for most patients (House-Brackmann I, 99 %). Most patients underwent a superficial inferior parotidectomy (88 %). Modified Blair incision (70 %) was the most common incision. Intraoperatively, the facial nerve was identified in 149 (99 %) patients. The main trunk was identified in 126 (85 %) patients. No patient had tumor spillage. Only two patients required parotid bed reconstruction. The most common complication was ear numbness (60 %). Postoperatively, 114 patients were House-Brackmann grade I at both preoperative and postoperative assessment, 8 went from grade I to II, and 1 went from grade VI to II (Bell's palsy that resolved to grade II following surgery). Median follow-up was 1(IQR 1-5) month.

CONCLUSION

PSP is efficacious in the management of pleomorphic adenomas with preservation of facial nerve function, and minimal post-operative complications. Future study is needed to assess long term recurrence risk.

Gland preservation with postauricular sulcus approach for benign parotid tumors

Gland-preserving surgery has gained popularity for treating benign parotid tumors, offering potential benefits by preserving facial nerve function and salivary secretion while reducing complications. This study aims to evaluate the functional, cosmetic, and disease control outcomes of gland-preserving surgery via a postauricular sulcus incision.

METHODS

An observational longitudinal investigation encompassed 46 patients undergoing gland-preserving surgery for benign parotid tumors via the postauricular sulcus incision approach. Patient assessments included cosmetic contentment, functional repercussions, and disease management throughout the follow-up.

RESULTS

Predominantly, tumors were situated in the superficial lobe, with successful application observed in 8 instances (17%) within the deep lobe. Notably, no tumor recurrences were detected during the follow-up period. Postoperative pain remained minimal, accentuated by high patient satisfaction regarding the incision scar and facial symmetry. Furthermore, preservation of facial nerve functionality and salivary secretion was observed.

CONCLUSION

Gland-preserving surgery via the postauricular sulcus incision technique exemplifies advantageous functional and cosmetic outcomes when addressing benign parotid tumors. This approach presents a secure and efficient alternative, facilitating effective local management.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of superficial parotidectomy and partial superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumours: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the results of superficial parotidectomy (SP) and partial SP (PSP) for benign parotid tumours using a systematic evaluation method.

METHODS

A systematic search of English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang and Vipshop) was conducted to include studies comparing the treatment outcomes of SP with PSP.

RESULTS

Twenty-three qualified, high-quality studies involving 2844 patients were included in this study. The results of this study showed that compared to the SP surgical approach, the PSP surgical approach reduced the occurrence of temporary facial palsy (OR = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.41), permanent facial palsy (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.16-0.52) and Frey syndrome (OR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.23-0.56) in patients after surgery, and the surgery operative time was reduced by approximately 27.35 min (95% CI - 39.66, - 15.04). However, the effects of PSP versus SP on salivary fistula (OR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.40-1.24), sialocele (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.78-2.83), haematoma (OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.11-1.01) and tumour recurrence rate (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 0.48-4.20) were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Compared with SP, PSP has a lower postoperative complication rate and significantly shorter operative time, suggesting that it could be used as an alternative to SP in the treatment of benign parotid tumours with the right indications.

Role of Intra-Parotid Lymph Node Metastasis in Primary Parotid Carcinoma

The parotid gland contains intra-glandular lymph nodes, the distribution of which is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of intra-parotid lymph node metastases of parotid carcinoma and other head and neck carcinomas. Positive intra-parotid lymph node metastasis predicts the risk of positive cervical nodal metastasis. It is important to establish whether prophylactic neck dissection, including intra-parotid lymph nodes, contributes to treatment outcomes. The presence or absence of intra-parotid lymph nodes or metastasis-positive lymph nodes warrants further study. A preoperative diagnosis by imaging and fine-needle aspiration cytology of intra-parotid lymph nodes is difficult. Although intraoperative frozen section biopsy is performed during surgery, it is challenging to identify intra-parotid lymph nodes. The number of lymph nodes was the largest (47%) in the lower half of the superficial lobe, with 35% of nodes being concentrated in the inferior part of the cervicofacial branch, i.e., the lower pole of the parotid gland. Therefore, superficial parotidectomy and lower pole lobectomy need to be performed in cases in which a malignant tumor localizes to the superficial lobe or a lower pole. When intra-parotid lymph node metastases are detected during surgery, selective neck dissection (at least levels II and III) needs to be simultaneously performed.

Gland-preserving surgery of benign parotid tumours via postauricular sulcus incision: Is it safe and effective with the scarless incision?

Gland-preserving surgery has been introduced to reduce the complications of conventional parotidectomy that requires removal of total superficial or entire parotid gland along with the tumour. Several cosmetic incisions have also been developed along with conservative parotid surgery involving partial dissection of the facial nerve and gland. The incision length in the cosmetic approaches is gradually shortened from facelift to periauricular incision, and endoscopic parotidectomy techniques emerged. A more functional approach via postauricular sulcus incision was also introduced to remove benign parotid tumours with high cosmetic satisfaction and oncological safety. Therefore, this article presents the surgical procedures, potential indications, pros and cons of the postauricular sulcus approach.

Frey's Syndrome: A Review of Aetiology and Treatment

First described by Polish Neurologist Łucja Frey in 1923, Frey's syndrome (FS), or auriculotemporal syndrome, is a rare condition characterised by gustatory sweating, typically encountered as sequelae following invasive head and neck surgery. The pathophysiology of FS can be described by aberrant reinnervation of postganglionic parasympathetic neurons to the surrounding denervated sweat glands and cutaneous blood vessels. Multiple invasive procedures have been associated with FS ranging from salivary gland surgery to burn reconstruction and thoracoscopic sympathectomies. Rarely, FS can be secondary to trauma or non-surgical aetiologies, including diabetes and infection. Physical symptoms vary based on the severity and surface area affected by FS and range from mild symptoms to severe psychosocial morbidity for patients. Surgeons operating in the head and neck, including otolaryngologists, maxillofacial surgeons, and plastic surgeons, should be aware of this potential complication and be up to date with diagnosis and treatment strategies for FS. This review article summarises the literature relating to FS focusing on its aetiologies, symptomatology, prevention, and available treatments, aiming to provide an up-to-date review of this condition for surgeons operating in the head and neck region. Although various treatment options have been suggested, these are often limited to topical agents that require life-long administration for symptom control. Further research is recommended to identify the optimal treatment for this condition and the role of surgery as a treatment for severe or refractory cases.

Feasibility of using the postauricular-groove approach without endoscopic assistant for excision of parotid tumors. Results from a series of 58 cases

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and preliminary outcomes of using a postauricular-groove approach without endoscopic assistance for the excision of parotid tumors. Patients who underwent parotidectomy using a postauricular-groove incision were selected for this study. For patients in which parotidectomy was difficult, namely, for tumors located in the deep lobe area, the parotid gland sternocleidomastoid space was fully utilized, and the tumor was resected from the posterior plane. A total of fifty-eight patients with parotid tumor were enrolled and divided into superior lobe group (n = 46) and deep lobe group (n = 12). The difference in operation time (94 vs 119 min) and postoperative drainage (20.18 vs 45.33 mL) was statistically significant between the tumors in the superficial and deep lobes. However, postoperative cosmetic VAS score was 10 (extremely satisfied) for all patients. The incidence of transient facial nerve paralysis was comparable (8.7% vs 16.7%), and all of them resolved spontaneously within 3 months. No recurrence of tumors was found in either group in the median follow-up interval of 26.45 months (range 22.2-35.3 months), which was comparable to the result using the conventional "S" approach. After making full use of the parotid gland sternocleidomastoid space, the postauricular-groove approach demonstrated satisfactory facial nerve protection, as well as easy maneuverability without the risk of surgical complications for tumors located in the deep lobe area. Importantly, the postauricular-groove approach showed excellent cosmetic outcomes for all patients and should be considered an alternative approach for parotidectomy of selected cases.

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.

Partial superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Pleomorphic adenoma, otherwise called as benign mixed tumour, is the most common salivary gland tumour which accounts for 60% of all benign salivary gland tumours. The clinical, radiological and histopathological presentations are varied. The tumour occurs in diverse anatomical sites and can consist of epithelial and mesenchymal components. In this case report, the patient reported with an asymptomatic swelling on the face. CT scan with contrast was advised. The clinical, roentgenographic findings and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology were indicative of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. Treatment included partial superficial parotidectomy under general anaesthesia using the modified Blair's incision. The facial nerve was not involved. Part of the gland along with the tumour was resected completely superficial to the facial nerve with a margin of normal tissue all around. Histopathologic examination of tissue specimen confirmed the lesion as pleomorphic adenoma. The patient was asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Facial Palsy for Benign Parotid Tumors: Outcome of 1,018 Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative facial palsy in benign parotid tumors, as well as its risk factors, pathology, and clinical results.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from patients whose initial operation for a benign parotid tumor had been performed in our department between 1999 and 2020.

RESULTS

We included 1,018 patients in this study. The most common tumor observed was pleomorphic adenoma (614 patients), followed by Warthin tumor (234 patients). Fine-needle aspiration cytology and frozen section biopsy were used to identify the tumor histopathology. The overall rate of postoperative facial nerve palsy was 19.5%; the rate was significantly higher in patients with large-diameter tumors or deep lobe tumors. Postoperative facial palsy improved within 24 months of surgery in all cases. There were no cases with permanent facial palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative facial nerve palsy developed regularly after surgery to remove benign parotid tumors despite preservation of the nerve. Palsy rate was high in patients with large tumors or deep lobe tumors. Despite the high risk of facial palsy in these patients and the benign nature of the tumor, we recommend surgery rather than follow-up observation, as the risk of postoperative facial palsy may increase as the tumor grows. It is important to provide an accurate explanation on the risks of postoperative complications to all patients to obtain appropriate informed consent for surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

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.