Partial Parotidectomy Outcomes for Pleomorphic Adenoma: 15‐Year Academic Center Experience
Daniel G. Deschler, Kathryn Marcus, Justine Philteos, Rosh K. V. SethiABSTRACT
Objectives
To evaluate long‐term tumor control and functional outcomes of partial parotidectomy for primary pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in a large single‐surgeon cohort at an academic tertiary care center.
Methods
All patients who underwent parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma performed by the primary author (D.G.D.) between January 2004 and December 2018 at a single academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, operative details, facial nerve outcomes, and recurrence rates were analyzed. Follow‐up extended through January 2026 to allow long‐term outcome assessment.
Results
A total of 363 patients underwent parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma during the study period. The mean patient age was 58.1 years. Postoperative facial nerve weakness was uncommon, with short‐term paresis occurring in 5.2% of patients and long‐term weakness in 1.4%. Among the 290 patients with documented tumor location relative to the facial nerve, short‐term facial nerve paresis occurred more frequently in tumors located deep to the nerve compared with superficial tumors (11.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.0006). However, rates of long‐term facial nerve dysfunction were similar between the groups (1.2% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.556). Mean operative time was 132 min (SD 91 min). A trainee was involved in all cases, and continuous facial nerve monitoring was rarely used. Tumor recurrence occurred in 0.6% of patients over an average follow‐up of 10 years.
Conclusion
Partial parotidectomy demonstrated excellent tumor control and low rates of facial nerve dysfunction. These findings support its safety and effectiveness for primary pleomorphic adenoma management in an academic training environment.
Level of Evidence
5.