Objectives: Facial paralysis is recognized as the most prevalent complication following parotidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the symptoms and post-operative complications of parotidectomy while employing facial nerve preservation techniques. Methods: The study involved 14 patients (9 men and 5 women) with a mean age of 53.0 ± 16.5 years. Clinical characteristics, facial paralysis, and other complications in these patients were monitored at three post-operative intervals: 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Results: Following ultrasonography, homogeneous echo textures were observed in 64.3% of tumors compared with 35.7% with heterogeneous textures. Regarding tumor locations, 50% were found in the superficial lobe, 14.3% in the deep lobe, and 35.7% involving both lobes. The FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) test identified 64.3% of the tumors as pleomorphic, 13.3% as oncocytomas, 7.1% as Warthin tumors, and 14.3% as other benign tumors, with no cases suspected of cancer. Post-operative complications: Temporary facial paralysis was noted in 57.1% of cases at one week post-operation, declining to 28.6% after one month and 14.3% after three months. Hemorrhage occurred in 7.1% of patients, with no reports of infection, skin flap necrosis, or postoperative seroma. Additionally, 92.9% of patients experienced ear numbness at one week post-operation, decreasing to 21.4% by three months. Conclusion: the study demonstrates that parotidectomy, when performed with careful preservation of the facial nerve, is an effective and constructive approach for removing pleomorphic tumors in the parotid gland.
Pham et al. (2025) studied this question.