Aim: to evaluate the results of the extra capsular dissection versus the conventional superficial parotidectomy in the management of benign parotid tumors.
Patients and methods: This is a prospective study of a 46 patients who were treated for benign parotid tumors. They were classified equally into two groups; the extra capsular excision group I and the superficial parotidectomy group II. The evaluation of both techniques included the operative details, the post-operative outcome and complications.
Results: The mean operative time for superficial parotidectomy was 172 min., while that of ECD was 44.8min. In the superficial parotidectomy group transient facial nerve paralysis was encountered in 6 cases and permanent facial nerve damage in 2 cases. In ECD group, none of patients had permanent nerve damage while 2 patients had transient facial nerve damage. No recurrence has been encountered in both groups during the follow up period.
Conclusion: Extra capsular dissection can be done safely in benign parotid tumors with reduction of side effects and preserving the parotid salivary function more than after radical surgery