Background: Traditional parotid surgery leaves visible submaxillary cicatrices, unaesthetic results from incisions, and a high incidence of postoperative complications. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of newly designed incisions for the removal of benign parotid lesions.
Methods: The authors randomly assigned patients (n = 48) with benign parotid lesions admitted to our department from November 2016 to April 2019. In the study group, an aesthetic incision was designed through a preoperative examination combined with a medical history and physical examination. Half of the patients (n = 24) underwent surgery with the new incision design, while the patients in the control group (n = 24) received conventional surgery. The therapeutic effects and outcomes of the two groups were compared.
Results: The postoperative complication rate of the study group (n = 6) was significantly lower than that of the control group (n = 15). Compared to conventional surgery, patients who received the hidden incisions had less total drainage volume, decreased length of incision, and fewer days of postoperative hospitalization (P < 0.05). On an average follow-up of 20 months, no recurrence was found in any patient.
Conclusions: Minimal access incisions, aided with loupe magnification, greatly improve the surgical safety, patient outcomes, and final scar appearance. The described technique is worth further study and utilization.