Tumor recurrence and complications of parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch as a landmark during the retrograde technique.

PURPOSE: To investigate the recurrence of tumors and morbidity rates of postoperative complications associated with primary parotid pleomorphic adenomas treated with a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a landmark during the retrograde approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 71 patients with a primary parotid pleomorphic adenoma who underwent a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach between November 2003 and August 2012. Three surgical modalities were involved in the study: a partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in 8 cases, a superficial parotidectomy was performed in 54 cases, and a total parotidectomy was performed in 9 cases. The recurrence of tumors and the morbidity rates of postoperative complications, such as transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, salivary fistulas, and xerostomia, were investigated. RESULTS: Tumor recurrence occurred in only 1 case. Overall, the morbidity rates for transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, and xerostomia were 22.5%, 1.4%, 39.4%, 59.2%, and 8.5%, respectively. No cases developed a salivary fistula. CONCLUSION: The use of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach is a reliable and safe method for dissecting the facial nerve.