Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted parotidectomy: a new approach.

Abstract

To evaluate the benefits of a new approach, endoscopic parotidectomy through a postauricular skin incision by using an ultrasonically activated scalpel. An investigation of the outcome of endoscopic parotidectomy at a tertiary referral medical center. Fourteen operations for selected patients presenting with benign parotid tail disease were performed via minimally invasive endoscopic resection by a single surgeon (MK Chen). All 14 operations were successfully performed endoscopically, and no conversions to conventional open resection were necessary. The procedures lasted 60 to 160 minutes. Two patients had transient grade II facial paresis. The scars were almost invisible due to their concealed location behind the ear. Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted parotidectomy is a feasible method for treatment of benign lesions located in the parotid tail. The main advantage of this procedure is that the small operative scar is concealed in the postauricular area resulting in improved cosmetic results.