Superficial parotidectomy for chronic parotid sialadenitis: a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic parotid sialadenitis treated with superficial parotidectomy, and to review the literature. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted of all patients undergoing parotidectomy for chronic parotid sialadenitis at our institution between 2009 and 2018. RESULTS: Eighteen superficial parotidectomies were performed, resulting in complete symptom resolution in 17 patients. There was only one recurrence, of a milder form of the disease, requiring no specific treatment. Eight temporary post-operative facial nerve palsies and one permanent palsy occurred. Further complications included post-operative wound haematoma, seroma, Frey's syndrome, neuropathic pain and wound infection. CONCLUSION: Superficial parotidectomy is sufficient to control patient symptoms, avoiding the increased morbidity associated with near-total parotidectomy. The literature does not point to a clear difference in either the incidence of recurrence or the risk of a facial nerve palsy between the two procedures. Furthermore, the symptoms attributed to recurrence are often not severe enough to warrant salvage near-total parotidectomy.